A themed celebration at Arts & Technology Academy in Eugene, Oregon has sparked concern among parents after students participated in “Drag Day” as part of the school’s Pride Spirit Week. The event encouraged students to dress in drag or wear clothing typically associated with another gender.
The themed week also included other activities such as “Rainbow-Out,” “Queer Hero Day,” and “Pride Flag Friday,” aimed at promoting awareness and inclusion of LGBTQ+ identities and history. While the school intended the celebration to foster acceptance and educate students on diversity, many parents said they were not made aware of the specific nature of the events in advance.
Some parents expressed frustration that they learned about “Drag Day” only after photos and discussions began circulating among students. Concerns centered on transparency and the school’s responsibility to notify families about activities involving sensitive topics.
In response, the school district acknowledged the communication gap and stated that, although the event was in line with educational goals and state standards for inclusivity, more proactive outreach should have been done. Officials committed to improving how such events are communicated moving forward.
The situation has reignited ongoing debates about parental involvement in school programming and the appropriate boundaries of inclusive education in public schools.