The Burlington Equity Coalition called for "consequences" for the middle school counter-protesters. Superintendent Eric Conti also wrote in a letter to the community, saying, "We ask all staff, teachers, and members of the Burlington Public School community to join us in taking a stand against homophobia and identity-directed hateful actions." The school's principal Cari Perchase said she is "truly sorry that a day meant for you to celebrate your identity turned into a day of intolerance," AP News reported. It was really tough," computer science teacher Diana Marcus was quoted as saying. "Over the course of the day you could actually see a reduction in the number of students walking around in rainbow-colored clothing. "There was a counter-demonstration in response to what should have been a day to celebrate where students wore red white and blue clothing chanted 'my pronouns are USA' and destroyed rainbow decorations at the school," said Nancy Bonassera, co-chair of the Burlington Equity Coalition. However, young counter-protesters charged through the school wearing red, white and blue clothing and intimidated students participating in the event. Rainbow stickers were distributed, Pride signs were up in the school, and students were encouraged to wear rainbow clothing as part of the celebration. The incident took place during a Pride celebration at Marshall Simons Middle School in Burlington on June 2, according to the New York Post. Officials said they are taking a stand against homophobia and want to use the incident as a "teaching moment" for the young counter-protesters. Students of a Massachusetts middle school caused a ruckus at a Pride event by destroying decorations and chanting "USA are my pronouns." Parents expressed shock over the incident during a meeting of the School Committee held Tuesday.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |