The kids wanted to create an Equality wall mural at Tygarts Valley Middle/High School. They created a plan, presented it to the counselor and principal, and it was agreed upon. They were given materials to paint it and they got to work. Now, the principal, Mr. Steve Wamsley, has said that it "doesn't even resemble the original plan" when it does. The rainbow jellyfish, after made to paint it black, was also removed. Mr. Wamsley buckled to parents and a handful of students. Parents helped create signs that said if they can fly their flag, we can fly ours (confederate flag) and were PROUD of those words. They were proud of their children for creating a HOSTILE environment for LGBTQ+ youth. 

As of late, TVMHS had painted a rainbow mural and it was turning out beautiful. But then homophobes decided that a PAINTING was too much for them to handle. They protested, they started a petition, and got the mural taken down. So, I'm here to fight to get it put back up! Equality is a part of life, hate starts in the home, AND ends up in school. Equality should be taught in both places and tolerated. If we don't teach the kids running around calling my nephew a Mexican or a "spic," when he is just a very tan child, and flying confederate flags because they're racist, then we are FAILING them. They won't be able to act this way in general society, today. If one of the students that didn't want it put up, went to NYC for college, and treated people the same way, they would end up alone and maybe bullied. Put the mural back up, and teach children to love one another. That's what the rainbow is about, it's simply about loving one another, it isn't pushing "the gay" down your throat. I'm disappointed that TVMHS caved to the homophobic people. What about the LBGTQ+ or darker skinned children, that now feel very uncomfortable and unloved in your school, Mr. Wamsley? What about the LBGTQ+ children that feel UNPROTECTED in YOUR school, Mr. Wamsley? Are you going to allow a handful of kids and parents to dictate every single thing that goes on at TVMHS? Change needs to happen. We need to help people grow into mature, loving young adults. If you can't help with that, resign and allow someone to take your place that can. If you can help with that, paint the mural, create a special glass for LBGTQ+ sexual education. Don't make all kids go, make it optional for those that do want to attend. PROTECT THOSE CHILDREN UNDER YOUR CARE. TEACH THEM THAT NO MATTER WHAT, EVERYONE IS LOVED AND ACCEPTED. When I went to TVMHS, instead of protesting little things like this, we protested for you, Mr. Wamsley, and all other teachers, to get higher pay and better benefits. 

Allow the students to put their mural back up. Teach the other students and teachers tolerance, if nothing else. Protect children's rights, don't suppress them. Equality is not a bad or dirty word. Put the mural back, or you might as well combine every hateful sign out there and make a new one.