This is a press release from PLAG Leonardtown. I do not have the background on this incident. If anyone else does, feel free to post it, BUT, please do not identify any student by name here, even if they were identified by name elsewhere. You can link to the story.
LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 13, 2022) - PFLAG Leonardtown condemns the actions of the administrator at Southern Middle School after their recent actions in addressing a bullying situation. No person should feel obligated to discuss their sexuality and gender identity with anyone unless they feel safe and comfortable to do so. This instance highlights the need for more education and professional development for school officials in relation to the needs of LGBTQ+ families. We invite Calvert County Public Schools to contact us to learn more about how they can better support their students, staff and families.
According to the Calvert County Board of Education Policy #1118, “All students have the right to be free from bullying, harassment, or intimidation. Calvert County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, productive, and inclusive learning environment” and further states “Our schools should be places where students are surrounded by caring adults who encourage students to treat others with kindness and empathy”. By asking the student to disclose their sexuality in front of others, this administrator put the student at risk of further discrimination.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk. There are further disparities in LGBTQ+ youth of color. PFLAG Leonardtown offers support to the Smith Family as well as any other youth and parents looking for support and resources.
Southern Maryland as a community must stand up for the rights of our friends and neighbors. Many LGBTQ youth lack access to affirming spaces, with only half of LGBTQ youth reporting that their school is LGBTQ-affirming and only 1 in 3 saying that their home is LGBTQ-affirming. The Trevor Project’s research consistently finds that LGBTQ young people report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to LGBTQ-affirming spaces.
Calvert County has been the subject of many instances of discrimination against LQBTQ+ families and allies in the last year. PFLAG Leonardtown calls for a full investigation into the actions of this administrator by the Board of Education and stands in solidarity with the Smith Family.
LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 13, 2022) - PFLAG Leonardtown condemns the actions of the administrator at Southern Middle School after their recent actions in addressing a bullying situation. No person should feel obligated to discuss their sexuality and gender identity with anyone unless they feel safe and comfortable to do so. This instance highlights the need for more education and professional development for school officials in relation to the needs of LGBTQ+ families. We invite Calvert County Public Schools to contact us to learn more about how they can better support their students, staff and families.
According to the Calvert County Board of Education Policy #1118, “All students have the right to be free from bullying, harassment, or intimidation. Calvert County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, productive, and inclusive learning environment” and further states “Our schools should be places where students are surrounded by caring adults who encourage students to treat others with kindness and empathy”. By asking the student to disclose their sexuality in front of others, this administrator put the student at risk of further discrimination.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk. There are further disparities in LGBTQ+ youth of color. PFLAG Leonardtown offers support to the Smith Family as well as any other youth and parents looking for support and resources.
Southern Maryland as a community must stand up for the rights of our friends and neighbors. Many LGBTQ youth lack access to affirming spaces, with only half of LGBTQ youth reporting that their school is LGBTQ-affirming and only 1 in 3 saying that their home is LGBTQ-affirming. The Trevor Project’s research consistently finds that LGBTQ young people report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to LGBTQ-affirming spaces.
Calvert County has been the subject of many instances of discrimination against LQBTQ+ families and allies in the last year. PFLAG Leonardtown calls for a full investigation into the actions of this administrator by the Board of Education and stands in solidarity with the Smith Family.
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PLAG Leonardtown is a local organization that provides support groups and events in support of the LGBTQ+ community. For more information, visit pflagleonardtown.org