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Parents and residents urge vigilance on cults and protection of religious separation and student inclusion
Summary
Multiple public commenters raised concerns about cults, threats to separation of church and state, and the need to protect students, including from anti-trans sentiment; speakers said the district should remain neutral and protect students' rights.
Several community members used the public-comment portion of the University Place School Board meeting to raise concerns about cult involvement, religious influence in schools, and protections for transgender students.
Holly Robinson, a parent of a Grama Intermediate student, said she researched the definition and harms of cults and urged the board to consider that "cults often affect vulnerable and young people." Robinson said cult involvement can cause guilt, depression and difficulty accessing jobs or housing and promised to return with "warning signs of cult involvement" and suggestions for supporting suspected students.
Adora Rose, who identified herself as a step-parent to a DRUM student and as a trans woman, said she attends meetings to be visible and warned against "dissolving" the separation of church and state. "The very simple solution is to keep church and state separate diligently and with eternal vigilance," Rose said, adding the district should stand up for religious freedom and the safety of all students.
Jason (last name not specified) also addressed the board on the separation of church and state and highlighted religious diversity, citing global religion data to urge neutrality in district practices.
Board members did not take action in response to these public comments during the meeting. A board member reminded speakers that if they felt their time was inadequate they could submit materials in writing.
The comments will be part of the public record; the board did not indicate an immediate policy change or investigation based on the remarks at the meeting.
