Washington Elementary School District (WESD) recently voted to end a teacher training program with Arizona Christian University (ACU)—an evangelical school that mandates hate against LGBTQ+ people. ACU’s statement of faith requires all staff members to abide by the belief that marriage is only between one man and woman, and that LGBTQ+ people are “sinful,” “immoral,” and “offensive to God.”
Right wing outlets like Fox News, New York Post, and The Christian Post are painting the decision as an attack on Christianity at large—though nothing could be further from the truth.
“For me, this is not a concern about Christianity,” said board president Nikkie Gomez-Whaley. “There are plenty of Christian denominations who are LGBTQ friendly. So, I want to make it clear that, for me, my pause is not that they’re Christian so much as this particular institution’s strong anti-LGBTQ stance, and their strong belief that you believe this to your core, and you take it out into the world.”
Despite the unanimous vote, conservative propaganda is calling out LGBT board members, singling them out for harassment.
WESD is now getting sued by hate group Alliance Defending Freedom over the decision.
Board members are likely going to hear a lot of hate speech at the next meeting. It’s more important than ever they also hear that you have their backs.
What you can do:
- Show up at the next WESD board meeting Thursday April 13th at 4650 West Sweetwater, Glendale, AZ 85304.Show up at the Thursday March 9th WESD School Board meeting: 7PM at 4650 West Sweetwater, Glendale, AZ 85304. Come early to claim as many seats as possible. Speak during public comments.
- Email words of encouragement to all the board members. Their contact info can be found here.
You can email us at info@secularaz.org if you need any help.