FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
September 13, 2021
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
Advocates Call on Communities to Support Educators, Counter Right-Wing Attacks
Educators and students deserve safe classroom environments and truthful curricula
MICHIGAN – As a group of right-wing parents in Clarkston attacks common-sense COVID safety protocols and pushes racist, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, Progress Michigan and other education advocates are calling on communities across the state to support educators and counter these outrageous assaults on public safety.
The actions of these Clarkston parents are not an isolated incident. Thanks to widespread right-wing fearmongering, fringe activists across the state are becoming more active in local conversations about public education. In addition to decrying mask and vaccine requirements that keep students and educators safe, these operations also take aim at LGBTQ+ rights, efforts to create more inclusive classrooms, and curricula that teach honest truths about racial justice.
“I won’t say too much about the right-wing activists attacking educators and schools, because they don’t deserve our time and attention,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Instead, I want to reiterate several fundamental truths. First, COVID-19 continues to threaten the health and safety of both kids and educators, and we should be using every tool at our disposal to keep them safe. Second, systemic racism has always been a part of America and it’s absolutely crucial that we teach kids the truth about our culture and our history. Finally, LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and all other marginalized students deserve safe, welcoming classroom environments that allow all children to thrive. We stand with educators across the state working to create safe classroom environments and preserve honesty in education, and we wholeheartedly condemn these right-wing attacks on the wellbeing of students and staff.”
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