Public Statement
Jeanne Rubin, President of GALA
Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas
There have been several incidents in north Texas schools in the last few months from both teachers and students who have made divisive comments and have been intolerant of those who are different whether they are LGBT or Muslim.
At McKinney ISD, two teachers ranted about Muslims and transgender children on social media channels. They eventually resigned. At Plano East ISD, a student on Snapchat discussed beating the gay out of another student, another student responded they wanted to pull some hate crimes on the student and another said let’s do it. These disturbing statements threaten all students.
We encourage school districts to be vigilant, to ensure every teacher is required to take diversity training and take action when threats are made against children in the care of their schools.
Every child deserves to be safe in their school. Every child deserves a learning environment where they are treated with dignity and respect. We count on teachers and administrators who are on the frontlines to create an atmosphere where every child is able to learn and live up to their full potential.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance of North Texas and Equality Texas have conducted successful and well received training and presentations for educators in the past and we stand willing to do again for free.
Hateful rhetoric has no place in Texas schools.
