An Armenian parent attending a Glendale Unified School District Board meeting called out a teacher for evoking the Armenian genocide while defending LGBTQ+ and minority issues during the meeting. The June 6th school board meeting marked a debate about designating June as LGBTQ+ pride month and included protests from parents asking for permission to opt their children out of aspects of the LGBTQ+ curriculum.
During the meeting, a teacher identified herself as being in support of critical race theory and diversity, inclusion, and equity training. She criticized the “hetero-normative, Judeo-Christian, patriarchal, imperialist, capitalist system” and compared the Armenian genocide to the risk of suicide for LGBTQ+ youth. The teacher’s comments went viral, leading to heated debates among community members.
Tensions rose as physical fights broke out between counter-protesters and those opposing the LGBTQ+ curriculum. School officials expressed sadness at the violence and reported that those involved were not affiliated with the Glendale Unified community. Parents and community members expressed their support for removing the curriculum from schools, calling it “disgusting” and inappropriate for children as young as five years old.
Parents have been actively pushing back against school administrators regarding gender ideology and trans policies. One parent, claiming to be the “leader” of the parental pushback, said that “none of this would happen without the Armenian parents and community members.” He accused the teacher of using the Armenian genocide to legitimize radicalizing students with gender identity and disturbing their identities.
The debate over LGBTQ+ issues in schools continues to be a controversial topic in many communities, often leading to heated tensions and violence. Parents and community members must work together to find solutions that support all children while respecting individual beliefs and values.