We, the undersigned, stand firmly against the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and baseless accusations aimed at our teachers and LGBTQ+ community members.
We believe that every student, educator, and family in the Clinton School District deserves to live, work, and learn in an environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive.

Recent actions by individuals and groups—including a misleading petition, false claims, and intimidation tactics such as filming private residences—are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of our community. These actions target teachers for their identities, vilify support for LGBTQ+ youth, and weaponize disinformation to create fear and division.

Let us be clear:

Being LGBTQ+ is not a crime, and it is not synonymous with grooming or predatory behavior.
Teachers in this district are protecting student dignity—not hiding secrets—when they quietly assist students who are unable to afford school events or meals.
Support for Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs promotes inclusion, reduces bullying, and provides vital emotional support for vulnerable youth.
Filming the homes of citizens with pride signs and posting them online is harassment and an invasion of privacy.
We call on local leaders, school board members, and community organizations to:

Publicly denounce hate speech and false accusations being spread about LGBTQ+ educators and allies.
Support policies that ensure all students—regardless of identity—feel safe, supported, and celebrated in our schools.
Stand with our teachers, who dedicate their lives to nurturing and protecting every child.
Reject harassment and intimidation, both online and offline, as tools of activism.
We are proud to live in a community that values diversity, equity, and truth. We believe in building bridges, not burning them—and we will not allow hatred to divide us.

Sign this petition to show your support for educators, LGBTQ+ students, and the values of respect, compassion, and community.