A Call to Action from the LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst

Source: Ad Hoc LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst

The Ad Hoc LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst is outraged and deeply concerned to hear that former Amherst Regional Middle School adjustment counselor Delinda Dykes, who was fired after being accused of harassing LGBTQIA+ students at Amherst Middle School during the crisis of 2023 (see also here and here), is to be reinstated. Dykes was a central figure in the complaints brought by trans and queer students in 2023 and her actions, along with the findings of the Title IX and non-Title IX investigations resulted in her termination. Dykes was accused of repeated misgendering and deadnaming students which caused harm. No counselor who holds prayer circles in a school building to pray  “In the name of Jesus we bind that LGBTQ gay demon that wants to confuse our children” should be allowed anywhere near students ever again. 

The Ad Hoc LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst is calling upon the ARPS administration for transparency about how this reinstatement could possibly have happened, and for a path forward that protects LGBTQIA+ students. We are asking community members to show up and support this call.

There is a public comment period at the next Regional School Committee meeting in the Amherst Regional High School library on Tuesday July 22 (find the agenda here). The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., but people will be gathering to show solidarity with and support for LGBTQIA+ students outside the building at 5:45 p.m, and then going into the meeting together. 

Now more than ever, LGBTQIA+ students need visible, meaningful support and protection. We are calling on the community to fill that room with our voices, our advocacy and our care for LGBTQIA+ students. Bring a sign about why we need to protect LGBTQIA+ students! Bring your voice and your story! Bring Friends!