Lancaster, N.Y. (WBEN) - Parents and members of the Lancaster community expressed their concerns over LGBTQ+ coursework being taught in the district at the school's Board of Education meeting on Monday night.
As a way to stand in solidarity with Adrienne Gummo, the parent and educator who spoke out against the coursework, people wore armbands and stickers with the letters "HMP".
"The armband actually comes off of Adrienne's speech for what she said at the last board meeting which is HMP, which is 'High Maintenance Parent'. It's kind of for any parent, or a grandparent, or anybody in Lancaster that is really worried about their kids," one of the community members stated.
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During the meeting, a member of the Lancaster Central Teachers Association (LCTA) provided some context about the coursework in question.
"A question was presented in a class on a note taking guide. It was not on a quiz. It was not graded, nor was it used for a grade. Students were not instructed to change their answers," the LCTA member said. "Simply put, it was information that was presented based on a guidance document and achieving New York state standards. The very same information that is presented at other local school districts. As teachers of the Lancaster Central School District, we will continue to carry out our professional responsibilities by implementing the New York State Standards, as directed by our district officials, in order to educate our students."
She later explained that even though everyone has different beliefs, the LCTA will not allow for their members to be villainized on social media.
Lancaster's former Director of Elementary Curriculum Dr. Michelle Kavanaugh also spoke at the meeting, and she questioned whether or not the district followed proper procedures.
"According to board policy 8331 on controversial issues, if controversial issues are taught, they must be presented in an impartial manner," Kavanaugh stated. "When a parent or community member protests a potentially bias presentation in the classroom, as did the mom in this case, the superintendent must provide an impartial hearing so that both parties may fairly express their views. Did that occur, or will that occur?"
One of the parents who spoke at the meeting wanted to know why they were not informed about the coursework being taught, and explained what she would like to see change.
"Why were parents never informed of this and why did Adrienne have to learn about this from her daughter, after the fact? Is there a reason this agenda is being hidden from parents? School isn't meant to teach ideologies or make children conform to them. Schools also shouldn't teach on anything but the basics and we will not stay quiet until this matter is taken into consideration and given a solution that benefits all students."