Article Summary –
A Michigan school district canceled a voluntary mini-lesson on gender identity and pronouns for a first-grade class after receiving community backlash, including “inappropriate, angry, and threatening” messages to school staff. The staff reportedly felt anxious, stressed, and afraid, leading to increased law enforcement presence at the school. Superintendent Shanna Spickard said the goal of the lesson was to promote understanding and kindness regarding gender identity, but it had instead created a “major disruption” and made staff and students feel unsafe.
Michigan School Cancels Gender Identity Lesson due to Backlash
A gender identity and pronouns mini-lesson planned for a first-grade class in a Michigan school district was canceled after community members voiced their objections. Dewitt Public Schools Superintendent Shanna Spickard announced the cancellation on Friday.
The lesson was intended to foster understanding, compassion, and kindness regarding gender identity and pronoun usage. Dewitt Public Schools said the activity was voluntary and outside of the regular curriculum, and families were given the choice to opt their children out.
However, the announcement led to a series of inappropriate, angry, and threatening communications towards the school district staff. Some staff even had their personal information shared online to intimidate them, Spickard said.
Several staff members have spoken up about feeling anxious, stressed, and scared to go to school due to these communications. The majority of which, according to Spickard, have originated from outside the community.
The district has reached out to local law enforcement and has increased police and administrative presence to ensure safety. The cancelled mini-lesson had aimed to promote Dewitt Public Schools’ vision of a safe, supportive learning environment.
On Wednesday, the district reminded the community that the lesson was voluntary and only planned for one classroom. The district clarified that the lesson’s aim was not to alter family beliefs but to promote a safe and respectful learning environment.
Community opinions were split on the matter. DeWitt parent Brandi Strahan expressed to WILX that such topics were not suitable for five-year-olds. A former DeWitt parent had a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of inclusion for every child’s well-being.
Superintendent Spickard acknowledged that the decision to cancel the mini-lesson was not taken lightly and would inevitably please some and disappoint others within the school community.
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