California parents protesting LGBTQ student clubs organize walk out, keeping kids out of school

“We want to make sure parents have all the available information about what opportunities their students have access to,” he said. “That facilitates conversations between students and parents. We don’t want to just inform them, but facilitate those conversations (at home), because those conversations lead to better outcomes.”

Are kids too young to talk about LGBTQ issues?

One major complaint among parents and conservative groups is that the clubs “target” young kids. The Pleasant Grove UBU Club was for students as young as 3rd grade.

“These clubs are too much, too soon for young children,” said Elk Grove parent Mary Congdon, in a statement from the California Family Council. Many parents who spoke at the board meeting in early March shared similar sentiments.

California’s Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act, which former Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law in 2011, requires that elementary school students learn about LGBTQ history and important historical figures. The EDUSD updated its K-8 social studies curriculum in 2019 to include more history of LGBTQ and disability rights.

“When you look at 3rd grade curriculum, the FAIR (Education) Act kicks in, and we start incorporating stories about LGBTQ leaders and their stories,” Vargas said.

“We want to create an opportunity for them outside of the classroom, on campus, to engage in these conversations and ask questions. If they are a student who might align with those identities, we want them to have a place. We also want that to be available for non-LGBTQ students who want to learn more about this.”

District will ‘review its policies’ but stands with LGBTQ kids

In the face of calls for Friday’s walkout, district leadership is encouraging families to send their children to school.

“Walkouts are especially challenging for schools as we have to balance student safety and required school attendance with the rights of students to express themselves,” the district said in a statement.

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