Call to Action: Rally to Protect and Support LGBTQIA+ Students, Staff, and Community Members 

The LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst will hold a rally at the side entrance of Amherst Regional High School prior to the final in-person Regional School Committee meeting of the academic year on Tuesday June 23 at 5:30 p.m. Following the rally, caucus members and supporters will participate in the public comment period during the 6:30 p.m. meeting, to speak about ongoing challenges and concerns regarding student safety, accountability, and the protection of LGBTQIA+ community members.

Background
Recent events have exposed that queer and trans students, staff, and advocates are still not consistently safe within the Amherst Regional Public Schools.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus have observed a pattern of behavior by a staff member that has resulted in some LGBTQIA+ students being denied access to privileges, opportunities, rewards, and participation in school activities because protecting themselves from contact with that staff member required them to opt out.

Much like three years ago, the administration of Amherst Regional Middle School appears unable or unwilling to stop problematic behavior by staff, even when it has significant consequences for student and staff well-being.

Last week, these concerns escalated dramatically when a staff member sought a harassment prevention order against a queer community advocate who has been active in efforts to protect LGBTQIA+ students. A uniformed police officer was dispatched to the advocate’s home, frightening their family and requiring the advocate to appear in court and defend themself before a judge with little opportunity to prepare. The temporary order was terminated when the court determined that the required burden of proof had not been met. 

Its practical effect, however, was to force a prominent LGBTQIA+ advocate into court, subject their family to an unexpected police visit, and divert time and energy away from advocacy on behalf of students. Many community members view this action as an attempt to intimidate, burden, or silence an advocate who has been outspoken in defense of LGBTQIA+ youth. It also has the potential to send a message to other advocates that it is unsafe to advocate for themselves, or others. Whether or not that was its intent, that is how it was experienced by many who witnessed it.

* We must send a clear message that queer and trans students, staff, families, advocates, and community members deserve safety and protection within the systems where they learn, work, and advocate.

* We must insist that the Amherst Regional Public Schools address harmful staff conduct before it causes further harm to students, families, staff, or community members.

* We must make it visible that the people on the frontlines of this work are supported by a community that will not tolerate harm to LGBTQIA+ people. We need your presence to send this message! 

Join Us
Show up for queer and trans youth and the adults who support them.  Help ensure that the values of safety, belonging, and inclusion are reflected not only in words, but in practice.

This article is a collective effort of members of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst.

The LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst is a grassroots group formed in the fall of 2023 in response to a clear need to push for transparency, accountability, and equity from the local administration, and to mobilize greater advocacy and support for queer and trans students.  The Caucus works with the community, including Amherst Regional Public Schools staff and administration to identify and meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ students. To protect its members from potential retaliation and intimidation within the community, the Caucus operates with an anonymous membership structure relying on a  designated spokesperson for public communication. Caucus spokesperson Ali Wicks-Lim (they/them) can be contacted at CaucusLGBTQIA@gmail.com.