SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Worthington School Board's decision to remove the LGBTQIA2+ and Puerto Rican flags from a teacher's classroom at Worthington High School has ignited a firestorm of anger and disappointment within the community. LGBTQIA2+ advocates call the move a blatant act of discrimination and exclusion, sending a chilling message to marginalized groups within the school's predominantly Latino student body.
The Queer Legislators Caucus released the following statement denouncing the school board’s decision:
“The decision of the School Board to remove these flags is a shameful act of queer censorship and structural racism. Removing the LGBTQIA2+ and Puerto Rican flags from Dr. José Morales Collazo's classroom disrespects Latino heritage and echoes the painful 1948 Puerto Rican ‘Gag Law, a law that made it illegal to display or even possess a Puerto Rican flag.’ It also erases LGBTQIA2+ and Latino representation, perpetuating anti-queer and colonial injustices. The School Board has ripped away a vital lifeline for marginalized students by silencing Dr. Collazo and ending his effort to create an inclusive classroom. Educators like him create havens where vulnerable students can find acceptance and support, a precious sanctuary now cruelly erased. We stand with all students and educators against this egregious act of discrimination.”
"This is not just a Worthington issue," stated Representative Maria Isa Perez-Vega (DFL – Saint Paul), a proud queer and Boricua legislator. "This is a fight for inclusivity and acceptance in all schools across the country. We cannot stand by and allow our children to be targeted for their identities. We must demand better."
The Queer Caucus is composed of members of the Minnesota State House and Senate who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. The Queer Caucus works to advance and protect the rights of the whole Queer community, as well as the rights of our intersecting communities.
###