Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post Search
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

“I Was Freaked. The Kids Were Freaked Out”: Students Stage A Massive Walkout After A Lesbian Teacher Is Escorted Off Campus
4.3K

“I Was Freaked. The Kids Were Freaked Out”: Students Stage A Massive Walkout After A Lesbian Teacher Is Escorted Off Campus

ADVERTISEMENT

Sense of safety is a feeling that many take for granted. There are countries where it is never safe to go outside, there are places where women are seen as less than human and sexual or racial minorities feel like they can be attacked for no reason at any time. These are only a few examples, but modern societies are trying to make everyone feel welcomed and included.

However, even in developed and modern countries, there are individuals who just seem to think they are more equal than others. In a school in Texas, teachers who are in support of the LGBTQ+ community showed that their classrooms are a safe space, but one day they disappeared and the students staged a massive walkout in protest.

Students of MacArthur High School in Texas organized a walkout to protest against the new administration showing signs of discrimination

Image credits: CBSDFW

On September 22, students of MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas organized a massive walkout that attracted a lot of attention from the media and was extensively reported on by several news channels. Their reason for doing it was to protest against what they believed was discrimination.

Image credits: WFAA

Image credits: WFAA

What happened was that the teachers in the school were given stickers in the shape of a heart with rainbow colors on it to put on their classroom doors or windows to show that they are in support of the LGBTQ+ community and that their classrooms are a safe place for all students. Those stickers were left on for the past year until a new principal came in and the hearts mysteriously disappeared. One of the teachers even printed out a laminated poster saying ‘safe zone’ and that was gone too.

ADVERTISEMENT

Previously, teachers had stickers indicating they are in support of their LGBTQ+ students, but a few weeks into the new school year, they disappeared without warning

Image credits: CBSDFW

Image credits: CBSDFW

Students felt that this was a sign that non-straight kids are not welcomed in the school and that removing stickers that indicated safety for all meant that was not the case anymore.

One of the teachers, Rachel Stonecipher, who is the only openly lesbian teacher in the school, said to CBS11, “I was freaked. The kids were freaked out” when she saw that the stickers and the ‘safe zone’ sign were missing as it was immediately clear what message stood behind such an act.

Image credits: CBSDFW

Then teachers who were openly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, one of them being lesbian, were gone too and still haven’t showed up to lessons

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: CBSDFW

To some students, teachers are not just people who educate them on literature or explain physics to them—they become role models or people they can turn to when they are in trouble, are scared, or when they can’t trust other people in their environment. The stickers were there to let the students know to which teachers they can go to seek help.

What was even more strange is that the students were randomly called in by the administration and questioned. The kids were assured that they didn’t do anything wrong, but the students noticed that people who were interrogated were only the ones who had been to at least one Gay-Straight Alliance meeting.

Kids who attended Gay-Straight Alliance meetings were being questioned and all this tension led to the kids just walking out of school

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: CBSDFW

The tension was just building up and the last straw was seeing the English teacher Rachel Stonecipher being escorted off campus and another teacher supporting LGBTQ+ rights being mistreated. The kids decided to show their disapproval by walking out of school with rainbow-colored hearts on their faces and clothes to show support for the teachers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: CBSDFW

The school explained that stickers or banners in school should be “curriculum-driven and neutral in viewpoint”

Image credits: IrvingISD

Many agree that the sticker removal may be linked to the entry of a new principal. The school’s only response to the protest was tweeting a statement that explained why the stickers were removed: “We value each student and strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for every student, employee and family. To ensure that all students feel safe regardless of background or identity, the district has developed guidelines to ensure that posters, banners and stickers placed in classrooms, hallways or offices are curriculum driven and neutral in viewpoint.”

It also states that “teachers shall not use the classroom to transmit personal beliefs regarding political or sectarian issues.” However, it didn’t convince the students.

Here is a video in which you can hear students lay out how they feel that the stickers were removed and that the supportive teachers didn’t show up to classes

Video credits: Smash Da Topic

What do you think of this story? Who would you say is right in this case and do you think that the situation was serious enough for the students to protest? Feel free to voice your opinions in the comments!

People in the comments were admiring that these young people were fighting for what they felt was important

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Share on Facebook
You May Like
Popular on Bored Panda
Add your comment
Add photo comments
POST
jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Texas has literally set us back 50 years in the past month. They obviously cannot govern themselves, and it's time to do something about it.

tmarek13 avatar
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next thing is seperating the girls and boys so that they don't have to share class rooms. Then maybe we could tell the girls to "cover up" their hair and the boys need to grow a beard. I need to go outside to scream and cuss but I'll be back ...

robertjarvis avatar
Alloydog
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, now the kids have learnt was fascism is.

johnniebravo avatar
Johnnie Bravo
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Maybe you should go back to school and read the 25 point Nazi party platform before running your mouth. Imbecil.

Load More Replies...
troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The response was the equivalent of "all lives matter" - think they are being fair by not stepping up to help a threatened group. The district is opposed to giving any kind of partisan support, so their stance ends up being "We don't hate LGBT folks, we just want to be fair and welcoming to people who hate LGBT folks."

moconnell avatar
M O'Connell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: We would be better of culturally if 'old people' could just get the hell out of the way. [This comment isn't ageist, 'old' refers to people who cling to socials norms of decades ago, regardless of their calendar age, as opposed to growing and learning which tends to be be the domain of younger people]

lyndsayn17 avatar
Winx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll go ahead and be ageist and say old people need to let go of power. They are messing up our future, a future they will not be around for, and have no stake in. If they want a better world for their children they should stop hating other people's kids.

Load More Replies...
alexhead avatar
A Head
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Austin, TX, and my 15 year old gay daughter goes to the biggest High school in the city. They are incredibly inclusive and supportive. She has a couple of rainbow buttons on her backpack that she got at school. One says (school name) Pride, and the other says "My pronouns are:" on which she wrote "any". Texas is a problematic state, but it's not like this everywhere.

sara_walker80 avatar
Queserasera423
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What reason did the school have for escorting the teacher off campus? Did I miss it or was that never addressed? I feel like it's an important element, if she was forced to leave simply because she is a lesbian and didn't hide it.

sara_walker80 avatar
Queserasera423
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To clarify: it would be a whole different level of wrong to eject a teacher because of who they are. I was wondering if they made her leave because she is a lesbian, or if they had another excuse as to why the only openly lesbian teacher was forced to leave. I am supportive of the teachers and students, and suspicious of the administration and how they can twist the story.

Load More Replies...
markberry1968 avatar
Mark Berry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Texas, and I am more and more embarrassed by what this state has become. I mostly blame Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz. Bring on Beto O'Rourke to wash away this turd fest.

jessicagunn avatar
Jessica Gunn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did anyone see anything in the article about the "lesbian teacher (being) escorted off campus"? All I read was that she "disappeared"....

gwenchapman avatar
RandomBeing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My school has safe space signs all over and a very relaxed dress code. I really won the lottery ngl.

jflatt244 avatar
mager avatar
Elisabeth Chai
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why don't y'all build a wall around Texas (maybe include Florida and some other like-minded states), declare it a nation, make Trump president of it and move all his supporters there. Give asylum to everybody who wants to leave in the US, done, everybody happy

jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they are total failures. We would just end up bailing them out like we do each and every time they screw up. And their screwups are expensive.

Load More Replies...
leighm avatar
Dodo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Taking down signs of LGBT+ safe spaces and removing pro-LGBT+ teachers is not being neutral. The only people who think it is are anti-LGBT+ NIMBYs.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

if that's how it is, the conservative bible-believing kids should be allowed to put up hundreds of crosses and posters printed with scripture quotes all over the school so they can feel "safe"... no, not allowed, but anything in the leftist agenda must be protected according to you. Come on, play fair!

Load More Replies...
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Texas. Single-handedly dragging the world back to the dark ages! Grrr.

vt_shinomi avatar
Shinomi Chan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good kids. Love their way of thinking. Just imagine how different the world would be, if everyone were allowed to be themselves without bigotry and hate.

rhodabike6 avatar
jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

my hope is in the second coming. King Jesus will impose the strictest moral and ethical system ever seen on the planet. Where will you be in that day?

Load More Replies...
jules-fishtank avatar
Cadmar Orion
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My family and I just moved, we were looking at Texas and lately I'm so glad we didn't go there

jknbt2 avatar
fairydragon avatar
Luka Verheijen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, there is still some justice in the world... But you can't explain the principals behaviour in a positive way. No matter what you say, it worked with the last principal, so it's clearly you who is the problem

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

the new principal enforced written district policy against putting up political posters or posters that promote a divisive agenda. How is this a problem?

Load More Replies...
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who died and made this fascist a principal? A dumb one at that. Haven't this horse's a**e heard of the phrase, don't fix what ain't broken?

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

it was broken because the former principal and the teacher did not comply with written district policy. The new principal fixed this. How is this fascism? You need to study what fascism really is... it is not a little h.s. principal trying to keep his job by enforcing written district policy... Get real.

Load More Replies...
markhowell avatar
Mark Howell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just a quickie has anyone in Texas watched ' A Handmaids Tale'. ??

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

what does sexual slavery have to do with any of this?

Load More Replies...
espresso-overload avatar
SuperChicken
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so proud of these kids for standing-up, not only for their teacher but for their friends and the LGBTQ community. If each and everyone would be more accepting, understanding and open-minded... I know, I know. Too much ask.😔

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So let’s take down the Mexican flag in Spanish class. And make sure no students have any African heritage flags in their possession either. Ugh. This is insane. And I’m sure all because a handful of students/teachers are dying on their sword over their MAGA apparel and flags. Pride flags aren’t political or sectarian. And even if they were, places of learning are supposed to be places to exchange knowledge, ideas, and experiences. They are not supposed to be TestPrep centers, which is what they have become. Absolutely insane. 80% of men have had some sort of same-sex sexual experience- however mild. I’m sorry I don’t know the statistic for women but the hate usually is driven by straight white men anyway. Why do we treat sexuality with such an ‘Us vs. Them’ mentality? Who cares?!

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jk Norbit, or whatever your handle is, I literally live in Texas. We are diverse, I agree, but it’s the white straight men that have all the power. And also, “most diverse”? Are you serious? Not New York, or Florida, Maryland, California. Nope, you go with Texas. You can trash my opinion all you want. You’ve already lost credibility because you obvi have no idea what you’re talking about and so I place no value in your opinion. Have a great day.

Load More Replies...
donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even the kids who were only there because it was more fun than going to class have done a good thing!

stanflouride avatar
Stannous Flouride
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the Principal also took the American flags out of every classroom too, right?

katie-trondsen avatar
KT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Texas has really become a backwards hateful control obsessed state. I feel bad for the younger generation living there

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wouldn't it be a great idea for the school to hand out pink triangles to gay students and teachers? Oh, wait, they've already taken care of the teachers....

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

More of your nonsense, Wills... nobody will know a person's sexuality down here unless they voluntarily out themselves. Otherwise, it is just gossip, easily discounted.

Load More Replies...
melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sexual orientation is not sectarian or political, apart from in Texas, apparently.

ronniebeaton avatar
Ronnie Beaton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as the teacher is doing their job to the best of their ability, then who gives a crap about their sexuality?

lsaizul avatar
jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Move to CA then. There are lots of places to live with all those people moving to TX.

Load More Replies...
marcoconti avatar
Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One day stickers like those will be redundant and unnecessary. Today, however, an action like this one, in the name of "neutrality" really stinks of patriarchal bigotry.

assistanttodj avatar
Assistant to DJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how people in Texas are only just starting to notice everything's bass ackwards in Texas.

daphnewilliams avatar
Daphne Williams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that the principle thinks telling gay kids that they're safe is "political or sectarian" says everything.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

when will the conservative kids start to feel safe?

Load More Replies...
david_beaulieu avatar
David Beaulieu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can Texas and the southern states just succeed again? I swear we won't try very hard to keep you this time. I mean beyond your cultural differences and stuff, we no longer need the contributions to the economy. I suppose some gas shortages would be an issue at first, but we could finally move toward alternative energy sources without the oil and gas companies lobbies.

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So we are all Americans except when we don’t agree. Got it. Please think before posting hate-filled comments. I get just as angry when my fellow Texas celebrate the forest fires in California or the NorEasters hitting New York. Be kind to each other.

Load More Replies...
jerry-mathers-73 avatar
Jerry Mathers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone else notice that Texas, which is always introducing some conservative BS policy, always needs the most federal help? They're like "we don't need no socialist fire department" followed up with " federal money please, we are burning and don't have a fire department to put it out". Same for power, etc. it's time that Texas gets charged for all their stupid policies. I figure they owe the feds (aka the rest of the taxpaying country) several billion dollars.

jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's all red states. They are literally dragging this entire country down. It's the lack of education to start with.

Load More Replies...
serenityweber1 avatar
gay_goosemafia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this was literally illegal under consitutional rights and the federal law, texas is way outta hand. to penalize and question even the allies of lgbt people is a sickening act of oppression and bigotry. whats next? we gonna have to start wearing pink triangles again> end up government registries?

sldjunk avatar
Freedom Fighter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Schools are for education and learning first, relationships, teamwork and social skills second. I don't oppose rainbows in the classroom, but I do support the neutral environment policy. If I know your political views as a teacher, or your personal views with regard to what social groups you support, because of what you are sharing in the classroom, then you should be fired. Teachers should be neutral, and remain professional by sticking to the curriculum that they are paid to teach. These kids are NOT your friends, they are your STUDENTS. A professional line is crossed when teachers share personal intimate details about their lives with students. This is NOT the environment for your feelings, it is a learning environment for kids.

kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so when the white only bathroom would come back in Texas? because it's all seem to get back at that right now in that place.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

we live in 2021, not 1951. Segregation was outlawed long ago. Stop living in the past.

Load More Replies...
moonstar avatar
moon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at my school the teachers are pretty chill and if a student is saying slurs or sh*t like that and gets beat up for it the teachers kinda just look at them like "i mean you were kinda asking for it..." lmao i guess i was pretty lucky to move to where i am when i did

bsbutton33 avatar
Beverly Smiley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are the stickers doing there in the first place? "NO BULLYING" would have been more appropriate.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

even better, "No B.S., Please" or "B.S. Free Zone Here"

Load More Replies...
boris_headmade avatar
Boriz Grozni
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can anyone confirm that was the reason she was escorted - being supportive ? No one knows real reason yet you made a circus from it...

wteach avatar
William Teach
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is, we do not know why Rachel Stonecipher was escorted off campus. She's not commenting, and the school is forbidden by law to do. People might want to wait to find out the answer. Which is probably for serious cause, because most schools are run and staffed by Democrats, and, regardless of political affiliation, most are not dumb enough to have a teacher escorted off campus without serious cause.

leighm avatar
Dodo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree but it does say all the vocally pro-LGBT+ teachers have disappeared too. Which is a little more damning.

Load More Replies...
jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Downvote me to oblivion if you want. My only hope is that the junior h.s. and senior h.s. kids reading this will wake up to the fact that there are philosophical and theological alternatives to the politically correct humanism they will endure from the first day of their college educational experience. They don't realize it, but that makes up much of what they have been taught all these years in school. That is the basis for all this outrage and the fake news article. There are alternatives, kids. Please note that there is something very wrong with their thesis if they have to use fake news articles and vicious name-calling to make their points. It only makes it worse when they get back a dose of their own verbal medicine, and then take on the role of abused martyr and victim. Boo-hoo. What dishonesty and hypocrisy these liberals practice, and without shame.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

this story reeks of the rotten, dead fish smell of FAKE NEWS.... 1) The stickers and posters were removed because of a district policy against posting such things that promote "for" or are "against" politically charged matters. For example, a teacher can not put up a poster that encourages voting for or against a candidate standing for election. Any posters or stickers that go up have to promote education or something related to the high school like their sports programs. 2) Credit to the school for turning a surprisingly tolerant "blind eye" and for letting the rainbow LGBT things stay up for as long as they did. 3) Irving ISD statement: "While educators have the right to express their personal viewpoints on their personal time, Irving ISD police EMB-local states that teachers shall not use the classroom to transmit personal beliefs regarding political or sectarian issues," the statement continued. "Legislators and courts have consistently sided with school districts and upheld district protocols that require neutral expression in classrooms." 4) The article implies that this outrage went on for days and days. Nope, the walkout only lasted for one hour on one day. The author conveniently omitted this fact. 5) The new principal was acting on instructions under orders to comply with district policies. If he had not complied, he would have lost his job. 6) The Irving ISD has not fired the openly lesbian teacher Stonecipher. The post seems to imply she was fired for her beliefs and open sexuality. This is simply not true. 7) The purpose of the schools down here is education. If a principal's or teacher's actions are so disruptive that learning can't happen, they can be put on informal administrative paid leave for a "cooling down" period. This is not a termination. 8) Anywhere in Texas, it is very difficult to terminate an educator and only for explicit cause like inappropriate sexual relations with a minor, a felony. For example, a principal can not terminate a teacher he does not like personally. The principal does not have this authority.

jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a lot of words to tell everyone you're a racist and a homophobe.

Load More Replies...
nowpete94131 avatar
BleeBloo
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

school is about learning, not sexual identity

jessicagunn avatar
Jessica Gunn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the kids are "learning" that showing support for a marginalized group is unacceptable. Why take all that stuff down? What's the point? It was harming no one, and not getting in the way of "learning".

Load More Replies...
jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Texas has literally set us back 50 years in the past month. They obviously cannot govern themselves, and it's time to do something about it.

tmarek13 avatar
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next thing is seperating the girls and boys so that they don't have to share class rooms. Then maybe we could tell the girls to "cover up" their hair and the boys need to grow a beard. I need to go outside to scream and cuss but I'll be back ...

robertjarvis avatar
Alloydog
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, now the kids have learnt was fascism is.

johnniebravo avatar
Johnnie Bravo
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Maybe you should go back to school and read the 25 point Nazi party platform before running your mouth. Imbecil.

Load More Replies...
troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The response was the equivalent of "all lives matter" - think they are being fair by not stepping up to help a threatened group. The district is opposed to giving any kind of partisan support, so their stance ends up being "We don't hate LGBT folks, we just want to be fair and welcoming to people who hate LGBT folks."

moconnell avatar
M O'Connell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: We would be better of culturally if 'old people' could just get the hell out of the way. [This comment isn't ageist, 'old' refers to people who cling to socials norms of decades ago, regardless of their calendar age, as opposed to growing and learning which tends to be be the domain of younger people]

lyndsayn17 avatar
Winx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll go ahead and be ageist and say old people need to let go of power. They are messing up our future, a future they will not be around for, and have no stake in. If they want a better world for their children they should stop hating other people's kids.

Load More Replies...
alexhead avatar
A Head
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Austin, TX, and my 15 year old gay daughter goes to the biggest High school in the city. They are incredibly inclusive and supportive. She has a couple of rainbow buttons on her backpack that she got at school. One says (school name) Pride, and the other says "My pronouns are:" on which she wrote "any". Texas is a problematic state, but it's not like this everywhere.

sara_walker80 avatar
Queserasera423
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What reason did the school have for escorting the teacher off campus? Did I miss it or was that never addressed? I feel like it's an important element, if she was forced to leave simply because she is a lesbian and didn't hide it.

sara_walker80 avatar
Queserasera423
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To clarify: it would be a whole different level of wrong to eject a teacher because of who they are. I was wondering if they made her leave because she is a lesbian, or if they had another excuse as to why the only openly lesbian teacher was forced to leave. I am supportive of the teachers and students, and suspicious of the administration and how they can twist the story.

Load More Replies...
markberry1968 avatar
Mark Berry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Texas, and I am more and more embarrassed by what this state has become. I mostly blame Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz. Bring on Beto O'Rourke to wash away this turd fest.

jessicagunn avatar
Jessica Gunn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did anyone see anything in the article about the "lesbian teacher (being) escorted off campus"? All I read was that she "disappeared"....

gwenchapman avatar
RandomBeing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My school has safe space signs all over and a very relaxed dress code. I really won the lottery ngl.

jflatt244 avatar
mager avatar
Elisabeth Chai
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why don't y'all build a wall around Texas (maybe include Florida and some other like-minded states), declare it a nation, make Trump president of it and move all his supporters there. Give asylum to everybody who wants to leave in the US, done, everybody happy

jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they are total failures. We would just end up bailing them out like we do each and every time they screw up. And their screwups are expensive.

Load More Replies...
leighm avatar
Dodo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Taking down signs of LGBT+ safe spaces and removing pro-LGBT+ teachers is not being neutral. The only people who think it is are anti-LGBT+ NIMBYs.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

if that's how it is, the conservative bible-believing kids should be allowed to put up hundreds of crosses and posters printed with scripture quotes all over the school so they can feel "safe"... no, not allowed, but anything in the leftist agenda must be protected according to you. Come on, play fair!

Load More Replies...
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Texas. Single-handedly dragging the world back to the dark ages! Grrr.

vt_shinomi avatar
Shinomi Chan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good kids. Love their way of thinking. Just imagine how different the world would be, if everyone were allowed to be themselves without bigotry and hate.

rhodabike6 avatar
jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

my hope is in the second coming. King Jesus will impose the strictest moral and ethical system ever seen on the planet. Where will you be in that day?

Load More Replies...
jules-fishtank avatar
Cadmar Orion
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My family and I just moved, we were looking at Texas and lately I'm so glad we didn't go there

jknbt2 avatar
fairydragon avatar
Luka Verheijen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, there is still some justice in the world... But you can't explain the principals behaviour in a positive way. No matter what you say, it worked with the last principal, so it's clearly you who is the problem

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

the new principal enforced written district policy against putting up political posters or posters that promote a divisive agenda. How is this a problem?

Load More Replies...
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who died and made this fascist a principal? A dumb one at that. Haven't this horse's a**e heard of the phrase, don't fix what ain't broken?

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

it was broken because the former principal and the teacher did not comply with written district policy. The new principal fixed this. How is this fascism? You need to study what fascism really is... it is not a little h.s. principal trying to keep his job by enforcing written district policy... Get real.

Load More Replies...
markhowell avatar
Mark Howell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just a quickie has anyone in Texas watched ' A Handmaids Tale'. ??

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

what does sexual slavery have to do with any of this?

Load More Replies...
espresso-overload avatar
SuperChicken
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so proud of these kids for standing-up, not only for their teacher but for their friends and the LGBTQ community. If each and everyone would be more accepting, understanding and open-minded... I know, I know. Too much ask.😔

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So let’s take down the Mexican flag in Spanish class. And make sure no students have any African heritage flags in their possession either. Ugh. This is insane. And I’m sure all because a handful of students/teachers are dying on their sword over their MAGA apparel and flags. Pride flags aren’t political or sectarian. And even if they were, places of learning are supposed to be places to exchange knowledge, ideas, and experiences. They are not supposed to be TestPrep centers, which is what they have become. Absolutely insane. 80% of men have had some sort of same-sex sexual experience- however mild. I’m sorry I don’t know the statistic for women but the hate usually is driven by straight white men anyway. Why do we treat sexuality with such an ‘Us vs. Them’ mentality? Who cares?!

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jk Norbit, or whatever your handle is, I literally live in Texas. We are diverse, I agree, but it’s the white straight men that have all the power. And also, “most diverse”? Are you serious? Not New York, or Florida, Maryland, California. Nope, you go with Texas. You can trash my opinion all you want. You’ve already lost credibility because you obvi have no idea what you’re talking about and so I place no value in your opinion. Have a great day.

Load More Replies...
donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even the kids who were only there because it was more fun than going to class have done a good thing!

stanflouride avatar
Stannous Flouride
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the Principal also took the American flags out of every classroom too, right?

katie-trondsen avatar
KT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Texas has really become a backwards hateful control obsessed state. I feel bad for the younger generation living there

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wouldn't it be a great idea for the school to hand out pink triangles to gay students and teachers? Oh, wait, they've already taken care of the teachers....

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

More of your nonsense, Wills... nobody will know a person's sexuality down here unless they voluntarily out themselves. Otherwise, it is just gossip, easily discounted.

Load More Replies...
melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sexual orientation is not sectarian or political, apart from in Texas, apparently.

ronniebeaton avatar
Ronnie Beaton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as the teacher is doing their job to the best of their ability, then who gives a crap about their sexuality?

lsaizul avatar
jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Move to CA then. There are lots of places to live with all those people moving to TX.

Load More Replies...
marcoconti avatar
Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One day stickers like those will be redundant and unnecessary. Today, however, an action like this one, in the name of "neutrality" really stinks of patriarchal bigotry.

assistanttodj avatar
Assistant to DJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how people in Texas are only just starting to notice everything's bass ackwards in Texas.

daphnewilliams avatar
Daphne Williams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that the principle thinks telling gay kids that they're safe is "political or sectarian" says everything.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

when will the conservative kids start to feel safe?

Load More Replies...
david_beaulieu avatar
David Beaulieu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can Texas and the southern states just succeed again? I swear we won't try very hard to keep you this time. I mean beyond your cultural differences and stuff, we no longer need the contributions to the economy. I suppose some gas shortages would be an issue at first, but we could finally move toward alternative energy sources without the oil and gas companies lobbies.

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So we are all Americans except when we don’t agree. Got it. Please think before posting hate-filled comments. I get just as angry when my fellow Texas celebrate the forest fires in California or the NorEasters hitting New York. Be kind to each other.

Load More Replies...
jerry-mathers-73 avatar
Jerry Mathers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone else notice that Texas, which is always introducing some conservative BS policy, always needs the most federal help? They're like "we don't need no socialist fire department" followed up with " federal money please, we are burning and don't have a fire department to put it out". Same for power, etc. it's time that Texas gets charged for all their stupid policies. I figure they owe the feds (aka the rest of the taxpaying country) several billion dollars.

jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's all red states. They are literally dragging this entire country down. It's the lack of education to start with.

Load More Replies...
serenityweber1 avatar
gay_goosemafia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this was literally illegal under consitutional rights and the federal law, texas is way outta hand. to penalize and question even the allies of lgbt people is a sickening act of oppression and bigotry. whats next? we gonna have to start wearing pink triangles again> end up government registries?

sldjunk avatar
Freedom Fighter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Schools are for education and learning first, relationships, teamwork and social skills second. I don't oppose rainbows in the classroom, but I do support the neutral environment policy. If I know your political views as a teacher, or your personal views with regard to what social groups you support, because of what you are sharing in the classroom, then you should be fired. Teachers should be neutral, and remain professional by sticking to the curriculum that they are paid to teach. These kids are NOT your friends, they are your STUDENTS. A professional line is crossed when teachers share personal intimate details about their lives with students. This is NOT the environment for your feelings, it is a learning environment for kids.

kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so when the white only bathroom would come back in Texas? because it's all seem to get back at that right now in that place.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

we live in 2021, not 1951. Segregation was outlawed long ago. Stop living in the past.

Load More Replies...
moonstar avatar
moon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at my school the teachers are pretty chill and if a student is saying slurs or sh*t like that and gets beat up for it the teachers kinda just look at them like "i mean you were kinda asking for it..." lmao i guess i was pretty lucky to move to where i am when i did

bsbutton33 avatar
Beverly Smiley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are the stickers doing there in the first place? "NO BULLYING" would have been more appropriate.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

even better, "No B.S., Please" or "B.S. Free Zone Here"

Load More Replies...
boris_headmade avatar
Boriz Grozni
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can anyone confirm that was the reason she was escorted - being supportive ? No one knows real reason yet you made a circus from it...

wteach avatar
William Teach
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is, we do not know why Rachel Stonecipher was escorted off campus. She's not commenting, and the school is forbidden by law to do. People might want to wait to find out the answer. Which is probably for serious cause, because most schools are run and staffed by Democrats, and, regardless of political affiliation, most are not dumb enough to have a teacher escorted off campus without serious cause.

leighm avatar
Dodo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree but it does say all the vocally pro-LGBT+ teachers have disappeared too. Which is a little more damning.

Load More Replies...
jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Downvote me to oblivion if you want. My only hope is that the junior h.s. and senior h.s. kids reading this will wake up to the fact that there are philosophical and theological alternatives to the politically correct humanism they will endure from the first day of their college educational experience. They don't realize it, but that makes up much of what they have been taught all these years in school. That is the basis for all this outrage and the fake news article. There are alternatives, kids. Please note that there is something very wrong with their thesis if they have to use fake news articles and vicious name-calling to make their points. It only makes it worse when they get back a dose of their own verbal medicine, and then take on the role of abused martyr and victim. Boo-hoo. What dishonesty and hypocrisy these liberals practice, and without shame.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

this story reeks of the rotten, dead fish smell of FAKE NEWS.... 1) The stickers and posters were removed because of a district policy against posting such things that promote "for" or are "against" politically charged matters. For example, a teacher can not put up a poster that encourages voting for or against a candidate standing for election. Any posters or stickers that go up have to promote education or something related to the high school like their sports programs. 2) Credit to the school for turning a surprisingly tolerant "blind eye" and for letting the rainbow LGBT things stay up for as long as they did. 3) Irving ISD statement: "While educators have the right to express their personal viewpoints on their personal time, Irving ISD police EMB-local states that teachers shall not use the classroom to transmit personal beliefs regarding political or sectarian issues," the statement continued. "Legislators and courts have consistently sided with school districts and upheld district protocols that require neutral expression in classrooms." 4) The article implies that this outrage went on for days and days. Nope, the walkout only lasted for one hour on one day. The author conveniently omitted this fact. 5) The new principal was acting on instructions under orders to comply with district policies. If he had not complied, he would have lost his job. 6) The Irving ISD has not fired the openly lesbian teacher Stonecipher. The post seems to imply she was fired for her beliefs and open sexuality. This is simply not true. 7) The purpose of the schools down here is education. If a principal's or teacher's actions are so disruptive that learning can't happen, they can be put on informal administrative paid leave for a "cooling down" period. This is not a termination. 8) Anywhere in Texas, it is very difficult to terminate an educator and only for explicit cause like inappropriate sexual relations with a minor, a felony. For example, a principal can not terminate a teacher he does not like personally. The principal does not have this authority.

jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a lot of words to tell everyone you're a racist and a homophobe.

Load More Replies...
nowpete94131 avatar
BleeBloo
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

school is about learning, not sexual identity

jessicagunn avatar
Jessica Gunn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the kids are "learning" that showing support for a marginalized group is unacceptable. Why take all that stuff down? What's the point? It was harming no one, and not getting in the way of "learning".

Load More Replies...
Popular on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda