Republican lawmakers call out the teacher’s actions.
QUICK FACTS:
- A preschool teacher in Wake County, North Carolina was discovered to be using unapproved LGBTQ-themed flashcards with children in her class.
- A spokesperson for Ballentine Elementary School in Fuquay-Varina confirmed on Friday that the not-immediately identified teacher has resigned.
- N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore issued a press release about the issue, saying Rep. Erin Paré was contacted by a constituent about the cards, according to The Charlotte Observer.
- Paré got in touch with the school’s principal to confirm whether the school was aware that cards showcasing LGBTQ relationships and the Pride Flag were being used.
- Principal Lutashia Dove was reportedly unaware of the cards use and said that the teacher was using materials outside of the approved curriculum.
SCHOOL OFFICIALS’ RESPONSE:
- Principal Dove reportedly “took possession of the cards” and contacted the local superintendent and human resources.
- “I am grateful that a concerned constituent reached out and that this issue is being addressed in a swift and professional manner by Ballentine Elementary School,” said Paré.
- “Schools should only be using age-appropriate materials, and these flashcards clearly do not meet that standard for a pre-school classroom,” she went on to say.
- “I hope schools across Wake County and the State of North Carolina will follow the example of Ballentine and respond swiftly when a parent expresses concern and ensure that materials like this are not being used to teach young students.”
BACKGROUND:
- The cards are reportedly made by a now-defunct company called ByUs Box and show a pregnant man, among other issues.
- The company was started by two women who said they were inspired to make a difference after the death of George Floyd.
- The same company made flashcards that showcase non-binary and transgender animals.
