Elk Grove, California — A group of Elk Grove Unified School District parents, deeply concerned about their children’s education, are considering keeping their kids home or withdrawing them from school to protest the district’s LGBTQ+ clubs. This decision was prompted by the discovery that an LGBTQ+ club, known as the UBU club (pronounced as “You Be You”), had been established at Pleasanton Grove Elementary without their knowledge. The club, initiated by a third-grade teacher, was presented to young students as a safe space for “boys who crush on boys” or “girls who crush on girls”, but open to all.
Parent Kyle Dixon reasons, “It is not the club, per se, that concerns me. It’s the fact that the school in the district has taken a posture of hiding this intentionally from parents.” Elk Grove Unified said that the teacher never told students not to tell their parents, but she didn’t ask them to either. They explain that nothing terrible happens at these clubs and that these students just sit and talk during lunch. They assert that they are not trying to hide these clubs at all. However, several other clubs have been on hold since the controversy as the district reviews its policies.
Along with this, upset parents posted posters encouraging a district-wide walkout on Friday, March 29th, as a means of “Expressing support for parental rights and to demonstrate the importance of transparency and openness in school activities.” The district responded with a letter saying that any student who does not attend class will be marked unexcused for the time missed.
Parents who are against these clubs believe that elementary school students are too young to learn about such things. Their major complaint is that these clubs “target” young kids who don’t understand sexuality yet. The Pleasanton Grove UBU Club was for students as young as third grade. “These clubs are too much, too soon for young children,” said Elk Grove parent Mary Congdon. Many parents who spoke at a board meeting earlier shared similar sentiments. They believe these topics should be left to middle and high school, and such clubs should not exist in elementary schools. These parents decided not to have their kids attend school on Friday.
On the other side of the debate, Elk Grove Unified parent Tiffany Woods shared a different perspective. She explained that these clubs play a crucial role in creating a safe space for students who may not have supportive parents. “Schools are the safety net,” Woods emphasized. “Having that extra support and validation to help them through the day is crucial.” These clubs facilitate communication among students and promote an anti-bullying message in their schools.
Although much controversy has occurred, the Elk Grove Unified School District asserts that it stands with LGBTQ+ kids. “The district is analyzing all aspects of school activities/clubs, including starting opportunities for students that enhance school spirit and students’ sense of belonging,” said a member of district leadership in a statement. “But I want to reinforce that we’re a district that supports our LGBTQ+ students, period.”
Much controversy like this has occurred in other districts, and this case is no different. Schools must be careful about important topics and ensure that they are open so that no difficulties occur.
Sources:
Elk Grove parents plan walk out over LGBTQ student clubs | Sacramento Bee
Elk Grove parents plan protest over LGBTQ club at elementary school
Elk Grove Unified parents plan walkout over LGBTQ+ club started in schools – CBS Sacramento