CHESTERTON - Over 200 people protested at Chesterton Middle School on Monday in support of the LGBTQ community. The "Times" reports that's after Duneland school administrators directed three middle school teachers to take rainbow flags, and other affirming items, off of their walls. The school corporation said there were complaints from parents and students that the items, “conflicted with their personal social and political beliefs.”
Other parents were upset that their kids feel unwelcome at the school and that teachers are not getting the support they need to support students who are just trying to find their way in life.
The protest was peaceful. It started at Chesterton Park and ended at Chesterton Middle School where a school board meeting was taking place. Originally administrators said they would only address the matter on the agenda, a $168 million done issue, but then they relented and allowed the protesters into the meeting to present their concerns.
The Duneland School Corporation officials said in a statement that it promotes inclusion and diversity, while striving to maintain a learning environment in which all students and staff are respected without promoting or advocating a particular point of view.
