LGBTQ+ people are among the most marginalized groups in the United States, without exception in New York and Connetquot. Connetquot Schools have often been reported by LGBTQ+ students to be an unsafe and unwelcoming environment for them, but noble people within the district has sought to change this reputation, and ensure that Connetquot is truly safe and welcoming for all students, regardless of sexual orientation. Jackie Napolitano-Furno, Connetquot's  Board of Education President, who's faced repeated allegations of racism and homophobia, was having none of it. When she discovered that a Progress Pride flag was hung up in the classroom of the GSA Advisor in Connetquot, she demanded it be taken down. To her, supporting LGBTQ+ students, who face high rates of suicide and depression, was unacceptable and political. Unfortunately, this pressure led the Superintendent to send out a directive to ban Pride flags from being displayed by educators. This is a travesty. We demand that the policy be reversed, and the Progress Pride flag be again allowed to be hung in Connetquot Schools, ensuring that students feel at least a modicum of support in a place that should be the safest for them.

EMAIL the BOE: boardofeducation@ccsdli.org

EMAIL the Superintendent: ladams@ccsdli.org