Opinion: LGBTQIA+ Caucus Plans Standout in Support of Queer and Trans Families

by The LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst

Delinda Dykes, a guidance counselor who was fired in 2023 for discriminating agains LGBTQIA+ students, has returned to Amherst Regional Middle School, following a court order to reinstate her.  What now? The LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst would like to share some information, resources, and call to action.

We cannot call for the removal of Dykes without making the district vulnerable. The administration appealed the arbitrators decision to reinstate Dykes’ to her position, and the appeal was lost. This was a predictable outcome because the previous administration and former School Committee members failed to follow due process. The Title IX investigation and report  clearly concludes that Dykes harmed LGBTQIA+ students. The arbitration process and appeal found that the district’s failure to follow due process makes it impossible to hold her accountable. Again, this was a predictable outcome and we must learn from it in order to protect students now. Those interested in learning about what led us to this moment can find background and resources here.

2.) The LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst encourages parents to exercise their right to protect their children by requesting that they have no contact with any staff member who has caused harm.  Bullying, homophobia and transphobia harm students who witness it as well as those directly impacted so any ARPS community member (not just LGBTQIA+ families) are welcome to make this request. There is a template for a letter available  (Find the template here,) or you can write your own and send it to rodriguezja@arps.org and hermanx@arps.org. We have been assured that the superintendent will honor these requests.  We are aware that Dykes has been informed which students she is not to have contact with. 

3.) If any staff member violates a no contact request or harms a student in any way a complaint should be made by a student, parent, or advocate. Formal complaints should be detailed and specific about the harmful behaviors, and cannot be made anonymously. If you have concerns about your child being identified you can contact the administration to discuss ways that student identities can be protected. In the middle school, complaints should be sent to Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman hermanx@arps.org and Principal Juan Rodruigez rodriguezja@arps.org. Complaints can also be filed through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)  here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/prs/intake/default.html.

In order to avoid future harm to students we must make sure complaints are documented clearly and then addressed appropriately. If that had happened under the previous administration a whole new group of students would not be vulnerable. 

The LGBTQIA+ Caucus will continue to advocate for the needs and safety of queer and trans students and families, but we can’t do it alone. We need community support! Please join us for our next Call to Action and show LGBTQIA+ families that their community has their back. 

A Call to Action 

Join us for a community action at 5:15 p.m. on December 9 at the next School Committee meeting at Amherst Regional High School, 21 Mattoon Street.

WHO? Anyone and everyone who cares about the safety and wellbeing of queer and trans kids. This is a time for visible, meaningful allyship. 

WHAT? We will start in the cafeteria at 5:15 p.m. for some sign-making and to focus our message. This will also be a time for us to share updates, provide information and gather a list of names of parents who would like to form an LGBTQIA+ affinity group for queer and trans Amherst Public Schools families. By 6:00 p.m. we will line the sidewalks outside the building and the hallway inside the building to greet administrators and School Committee members and let them know we stand with and for LGBTQIA+ families. At 6:30 p.m. we will attend the School Committee meeting in the library and use our voices to advocate during the public comment period. Participants can leave after public comments, or stay to watch the remainder of the meeting. 

WHEN?  Tuesday December 9, beginning at 5:15. People are welcome to join us for any part of the action

WHERE? We will meet in the cafeteria inside Amherst Regional High School, 21 Mattoon Street (accessible by the entrance on the right side of the building) at 5:15. If you arrive at 6:00 join us in lining up to welcome the administration as they arrive for the meeting. If you arrive after 6:30 please come into the library, where the Regional School Committee meeting is held. 

WHY? 

• To show LGBTQIA+ students and families that they are not alone.
• To show those with decision-making power that the safety of LGBTQIA+ students must be a priority. 
• To advocate for accountable, transparent and equitable policies and practices so that we can protect students and so we do not repeat history  
• To show any and all ARPS staff members that homophobia and transphobia will not be tolerated by this community. 
• To build solidarity, connection and support with and for LGBTQIA+ families. 

According to the Title IX investigation there was an incident in 2021-2022 where Delinda Dykes objected to nail polish on a male employee, made statements about the “gay agenda” and gender confusion among students, and removed the nail polish from the employee’s hands. As an act of solidarity we invite people of all genders to please consider wearing colorful nail polish on the 9th and beyond!