Parents of grade 5 classrooms in Altona, Manitoba have voiced opposition to teacher's support of LGBT youth.
Teachers Stephanie Fortier and Peter Wohlgemut of West Park School placed cards on their classroom windows to openly state that they had completed training through the Rainbow Resource Center in Winnipeg, a program aimed to supporting LGBT youth.
The cards read,"As an Ally, I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, intersex, queer and questioning individuals, families and communities. As an Ally, I will work towards a more aware, affirming, safe and open work environment in both policy and practice.”
Parents have demanded that the cards be taken down for fear that their children will accept the LGBT community."
The teachers are actively creating an inclusive environment by publicly stating a safe place for LGBT students and allies.
The homophobia of parents should not infiltrate an institution of learning.
Protect Teachers Who Create LGBT Friendly Schools!
We the undersigned would like to express our support for teachers Stephanie Fortier and Peter Wohlgemut in their efforts to promote an accepting and LGBT friendly campus at West Park School.
We encourage you to stand firm against opposition to create an environment that will consider and encourage all children, giving them a foundation of acceptance to thrive rather than a school where conversations are stagnant, promoting silent shame.
Teachers like Stephanie Fortier and Peter Wohlgemut are leaders that promote a society of equality, acceptance and understanding.
We ask you please, do not take down their cards in support of the LGBT community.
