Anti-bullying talk triggers concern Parents pursuade principal to cancel gay rights presentation

Author: Katherine N. Doorley

Vermont is often considered to be one of the most progressive and tolerant states in the nation, and is well known for initiatives such as Civil Unions. Thus, it might seem surprising that a Burlington area school is currently under fire for canceling a presentation by the gay rights organization Outright Vermont, showing that despite the surface of tolerance, even Vermonters have a long way to go toward acceptance. Last week, the organization was invited to speak at the Williston Central School as part of a series of anti-bullying presentations. But on the morning of the event, concerned parents presented strong objections to their seventh and eighth graders attending, and convinced the principal to cancel the event.

After the state legislature passed laws encouraging Vermont schools to initiate anti-bullying programs in their schools, the Williston School district began a series of assemblies and workshops for students called Safe and Supportive Schools. Outright Vermont was invited to give a presentation about respecting classmates regardless of their sexual orientation, and the event included a speech from a gay teen who came out in middle school.

Outreach Vermont, devotes itself to the goal of, "fostering sensitivity and understanding of the issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth." The organization works through educational programs and public presentations and, "seeks to challenge the stereotypes and prejudice and create an environment in which all young people can realize their full potential, free from the weight of hate and fear."

Parents were given the option to have their own children opt-out of the assembly and workshop if they were concerned about exposing their children to the subject. However, at a breakfast the morning of the workshop with the principal, several school board members and representatives from Outright Vermont, several parents came forward with a variety of strong concerns about the content of the presentation. These concerns caused the principal of the Williston Central School to cancel the workshop, much to the chagrin of the staff at Outreach Vermont. "I am disappointed that a very small minority of parents prevented Thursday's workshops from happening," stated co-director Kate Jerman. Jerman continued, "The students were well aware of the topic of our workshops and canceling it sent the message that it's not okay to talk about LGBT issues." Co-Director Lluvia Mulvaney-Stanak added that, "What happened in Williston is a perfect example of the bullying that exists not only in our schools, but in our communities. A handful of vocal parents were able to use fear and intimidation to bully the District Principal into canceling the day."

Outreach Vermont has stated their interest in participating in another workshop should the Williston school district decide to make a second attempt at the cancelled events. However it remains to be seen whether the school district will once again risk the wrath of angry parents in their efforts to expose their students to a variety of types of bullying and tolerance programs.