During a protest Tuesday evening outside a meeting of the Glendale Unified School District board meeting on the inclusion of LGBTQ+ studies, demonstrations and fights broke out. After the skirmishes, police in riot gear kept pro-LGBTQ+ protesters and conservative groups separated. Three people were arrested for various charges, including allegedly using pepper spray and obstructing officers.
The school board planned to hold a vote recognizing June as Pride Month, like they have for several years. But, for some reason, this year proved quite challenging, which drew protests from conservative parents the last couple of meetings that claimed the Glendale Unified School District’s policy on LGBTQ+ issues – violate their rights as parents.
Superintendent Vivian Ekchian said the district is following the state’s curriculum and that a lot of erroneous information is being spread on social media.
“We have absolutely no agenda,” Ekchian said. “We are not in the business of converting anyone’s child.”
According to the LA Times:
“This is about, specifically, gender ideology being put upon and thrust upon children at Glendale Unified,” Jordan Henry, who is running for Glendale City Council, told The Times on Tuesday.
GUSD Parents Voices, a conservative group, called for parents to attend Tuesday’s meeting, posting: “Join the fight against indoctrination in our schools.”
The Glendale school released a statement and FAQ in response to criticisms raised by the anti-LGBTQ+ activists.
