A group of sixth graders from Massachusetts has faced allegations of “intolerance and homophobia” after reportedly protesting a Pride celebration at their school by chanting “USA” and referring to it as “our pronouns.”
The incident took place at Marshall Simonds Middle School in Burlington, Vermont, where a school-approved spirit day celebrating Pride Month was organized by the Spectrum Club, an LGBT student organization, with support from allies. Some students apparently chose to wear only red, white, and blue attire, loudly proclaiming “U.S.A. are my pronouns,” and removing LGBT-themed banners and stickers in what was seen as a protest against the event.
Nancy Bonassera, co-chair of the Burlington Equity Coalition, condemned the alleged display of intolerance and homophobia, emphasizing its negative impact on the entire community during a community meeting discussing the incident. Bonassera called upon elected officials in Burlington to strongly denounce bigotry disguised as “free expression.”
While some parents were outraged by the protest, others found fault with the school’s encouragement of rainbow-themed clothing. Christine Steiner, speaking about her daughter’s decision not to participate, explained that her daughter chose not to wear the rainbow-themed attire on principle, intending no harm to anyone’s feelings.
On June 4, two days after the incident, Superintendent Eric Conti of Burlington Public Schools addressed parents in a letter, criticizing the protesting students and reminding families that attendance at the event was voluntary. Conti expressed disappointment in the presence of bigotry within the school community and highlighted the efforts made by Spectrum Club members to organize a schoolwide celebration of National Pride Month, complete with rainbow flags, pride posters, and rainbow-themed apparel displaying messages such as “Why it’s not ok to say ‘That’s so gay'” and “Happy Pride Month.”
Conti acknowledged in his letter that conversations and celebrations surrounding individual identity can unfortunately give rise to various forms of bigotry, including racism, anti-religious hatred, ableism, and homophobia. He pledged to maintain schools as safe and welcoming spaces and urged the community to take a stand against homophobia.
Principal Cari Perchase, when addressing the parents and children, expressed regret that the Pride event had turned into a “day of intolerance.” She announced plans to introduce a program at the school focused on teaching tolerance and acceptance to the students.