VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla, — A decision to recognize LGBTQ awareness week in Volusia County Schools has some parents threatening to keep their children home that week.
At a school meeting on March 9th the school board had decided against the designation but the measure failed to pass.
Student Alexander Vargas, who is gay and transgender, spoke at the meeting Tuesday in support of the designation.
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“We should not have to feel shame for being who we are. If we teach students to be kind and respectful then LGBTQ students will be less afraid, less ashamed and we will feel safer, " Vargas said.
Parents against the designation argue that it’s not a school-appropriate topic.
School board member Carl Persis says it is about showing students they are being supportive.
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“There aren’t any announcements, there aren’t any parades, there aren’t any banners it’s just a regular week of school,” he said.
Tera McNauhton says she feels it will only cause division.
“If suicide is a motivating factor here be all-inclusive as this issue does not only exists among the LGBTQ,” she said.
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The district has said that despite unanimous approval last year, moving forward they will only recognize the week as opposed to passing a resolution.
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