Vermont update

There is a follow up story to the cancelation of the anti-harassment workshop in Wiliston VT in the Burlington Free Press with this quote from local parent:
"They are promoting a lifestyle that is against our belief system and our faith,"

Some of the suggestions from Outright VT for how to help, such as contacting the school administrators, might be best done by those who are local. If you are local, contact Outright VT and ask what you can do to help address this issue in Williston. Other ways to help include submitting a letter to the editor of the Burlington Free Press or donating to Outright VT.

Below is the press release from Outright VT on the cancelation of the Williston school workshop.

Williston Central School Cancels Outright Vermont Workshops
Sat, March 25th, 2006

Burlington, VT----On Thursday, March 23rd Outright Vermont was invited to Williston Central School to participate in a workshop series about safe and supportive schools. Outright Vermont’s Co-Executive Director, Kate Jerman, and Outright Vermont Youth, Connor McFadden arrived on the morning of Thursday, March 23rd ready to address 7th and 8th graders at the Williston Central School about anti-gay bullying and harassment. As planned, the morning began with an informal breakfast with any interested parents. A small number of upset parents used the time to voice their objections to the workshop. Also present were a large number of faculty, school board members, and parents supportive of Outright Vermont. After a heated discussion between the disapproving parents and school staff, Walter Nardelli, Williston District Principal declared the day canceled and called for further community discussion of the issue. (emphasis mine, PFG)

“I am very disappointed that a very small minority of parents prevented Thursday’s workshops from happening.” Said Co-Director Kate Jerman. “The students were well aware of the topic of our workshop and canceling it sent the message that it’s not OK to talk about LGBT issues.”

Preparation for this workshop series included meetings between school administrators/faculty and Outright Vermont and letters to parents ahead of time to notify them of the topics of the series and giving them the option to opt-out their child.

Outright Vermont’s other Co-Director, Lluvia Mulvaney-Stanak remarked, “What happened in Williston is a perfect example of the bullying that exists not only in our schools, but in our communities. A handful of vocal parents were able to use fear and intimidation to bully the District Principal into canceling the day.”

Outright Vermont is a leader in the state providing training, support, and technical assistance to students and educators creating safer school environments for all youth. The State of Vermont enacted Bullying and Harassment legislation in 2005. Efforts to support safe schools for youth, including LGBT youth, are not supported by State funding.