Multiple speakers urge board to drop LGBTQIA advisory lesson from required curriculum

During the public-comment period multiple speakers urged the board to remove or not implement the district’s LGBTQIA advisory lesson for this year, arguing it is divisive and not necessary to teach basic respect.

Natalie Slaneyk told the board she values fairness and respect but believes a required, specific LGBTQIA lesson is not necessary and can conflict with family religious or cultural beliefs. “This lesson is teaching our students that to truly accept someone, we must affirm their chosen ****** or gender identity,” she said, and asked that the lesson be removed. Other speakers — including LaDawn Severn and Abdi Raman Ibrahim — echoed concerns about divisiveness, cited prior opt-outs, and argued that existing anti-bullying policies should suffice.

Speakers also referenced district policy numbers and raised funding and federal-policy concerns. The superintendent thanked speakers and emphasized the district’s commitment to holding space for dialogue; the board did not take immediate policy action during the meeting. Several commenters framed their request as a call to prioritize core academic instruction and parental choice while noting district anti-bullying policies already exist.