Sumner-Bonney Lake meeting filled with opposing public comments after Pride event at elementary school

Dozens of community members addressed the Sumner Bonney Lake School District board on Aug. 20 over a July 26 Pride event held on district property at Donald Iseman Elementary.

The meeting’s public-comment period featured parents who said performers at the event — which was hosted during summer break by Hope Development Practice and included drag performances and family activities — were sexualizing children and that the district should limit use of school property for such events. Others, including the event’s executive director and several parents, defended the rental as lawful community use and warned that misrepresentations about the event have led to online attacks and threats.

Why it matters: The comments forced the board into an extended public airing of sharply divided views about facility rentals, community safety and district responsibilities. Several speakers asked the board to review the district’s facility-use approvals and to adopt clearer opt-in or notification policies for lessons and events related to gender and sexuality. Other speakers urged the district to treat all…