A Clermont County school district has a policy that opponents say will adversely affect some students. Michelle Johnson of New Richmond Pride says the New Richmond Exempted Village School District has removed all rainbow signs and stickers from middle school, including those designed to differentiate which teachers support the LGBTQ + community.
“Unfortunately, that included a science poster, a quote from Maya Angelou, and a sign that said ‘Be kind,'” says Johnson. “I really don’t think that’s helpful in promoting tolerance and inclusion in our schools.”
Johnson says she just wants middle school students to know they have safe spaces and safe adults to talk to.
“I don’t want any of these kids to get stressed any further – that would increase the likelihood of self-harm.” Johnson says proponents told school board members that LGBTQ + children are at higher risk of suicide.
Regarding the NREVS district’s assumption that students can choose their preferred pronouns and names, Johnson says, “We will make every profit we can.”
Queries for the opinion of the school council and the district were not answered immediately on Friday.