A Pride Month video recently screened for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders has stirred a heated debate among parents in Connecticut. The video, which includes a scene where a child boldly expresses, “I never really felt like a boy, and I don’t really feel like a girl, so I’d rather be both,” has ignited a wave of discontent among some members of the community.
“I never really felt like a boy, and I don’t really feel like a girl, so I’d rather be both.” Expresses the child in the video.
According to a report by WFSB-TV, parents of students attending Wells Road Intermediate School in Granby have voiced their concerns, arguing that they should have been informed about the video prior to its presentation to their children.
The controversy has shone a spotlight on the delicate balance between promoting inclusivity and ensuring parental awareness and consent in educational settings.
Furthermore, concerned parents have expressed their belief that their children are too young to be introduced to discussions surrounding gender-related topics. They assert that these conversations should be initiated and led by parents themselves, should they choose to engage in them.
The contentious video showcases children sharing their personal interpretations of the significance of Pride Month, as reported by WFSB. One participant, identified as Simon and utilizing he/they pronouns, articulates, “Pride means you should be able to be free. Throughout my life, I’ve never truly identified solely as a boy or a girl; instead, I find comfort in embracing both aspects of my identity.”
Parents have revealed that their children returned home from school on the same day the video was shown and immediately informed them about its contents. The news came as a shock to many parents, prompting a range of emotions and concerns.
“When I watched the video, I was deeply troubled,” shared Kyle Reyes, a parent who spoke with WFSB. “These are crucial conversations that should be initiated by parents, ensuring they have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with their own children.”
It seems that there was a video shown at the school that upset some parents. One parent, Reyes, has decided to pull his four children out of the district because of it. The video was shown without obtaining parents’ permission, which upset a mother who was in the school pickup line. She believes that parents should have been informed beforehand so they could discuss the content with their children at home. Another parent, Stephen Davis, expressed his concern that there was no warning given about the video, emphasizing that children should not have to worry about adult content at such a young age.
According to the superintendent’s office, parental concerns regarding the video are being addressed internally. The video in question was reportedly created for students between the ages of 2 and 12. The station, WFSB, obtained a letter from the principal of Wells Road, Pauline Greer, which was sent to parents regarding the issue. In the letter, Greer stated that the video was not intended to alienate or disturb any child. Instead, its purpose was to remind students that it is acceptable to be themselves while still being treated with respect, dignity, and kindness.
Reyes, the parent who decided to remove his children from the district, mentioned that other parents are starting to express their concerns as well and that it is time to take action and fight back.
