As LGBTQ individuals, allies, teachers, UPSD residents, and former graduates or staff of the UPSD, we are appalled at the recent re-tweet of Ms. Raeann Hofkin regarding Dr. Rachel Levine, recent appointee as Assistant Secretary of Health for the United States, who openly identifies as transgender. The tweet has a picture of Kayleigh McEnany, former White House press secretary next to one of Dr. Levine and states: "The face of America is going from this to this. God help us." Ms. Hofkin's post on social media:

• is discriminatory of people who identify as transgender;
• condones the mistreatment and bullying of individuals who are transgender; and
• conveys the message that appearance, not character or credentials, is what counts.

The students, parents, staff and faculty of our school district need leaders who model values of inclusivity and acceptance. Doing so makes everyone feel safe.  When a member of the school board publicly broadcasts a message in contrast with these values, it not only makes our constituents feel unsafe, but also condones that this message is acceptable. It is not.

It is clear that this is a pattern of behavior for Ms. Hofkin, given her similar post in the spring of 2020.

To turn a blind eye on this issue is the equivalent of telling everyone, but mostly our students, that they are not welcome to be themselves. In contrast, condemning this behavior sends a message to our community that this discriminatory behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our award-winning school district. We teach our children to stand up to bullies and acts of hate. We expect that this starts with those who make decisions on behalf of our school system.

We call upon the Upper Perkiomen School Board to: 

• condemn this act of bigotry;
• reiterate its values of inclusivity; and
• publicly put pressure on Ms. Hofkin to resign from her position.

Ms. Hofkin's actions prove she is not a positive representative worthy of occupying a seat on the school board.

Thank you for your attention to this very important matter.