'I was appalled': Parents outraged by surprising choice of speaker at career event
A school has apologised to parents after not notifying them ahead of time about a drag queen who was among guests to read to children at a career event last week.
The performer, named Ms Jessica, was one of many guest readers to attend the ‘Rocky Top READS!’ event on Friday at the Rocky Top Middle School in the US State of Colorado.
“I was pretty appalled. I was pretty surprised. It was a shock because no one was notified,” parent, Jen Payer told Fox 31.
“This person is an adult entertainer and is talking to 12-year-old students about something that’s kind of adult nature,” another parent said.
A letter from the principal was sent to parents on Monday and explained that more than 100 guest readers were welcomed on the day.
In the letter, obtained by FOX31, the principal explained that volunteer guest readers spent 20 minutes in different classrooms “talking about their career and its connection to literacy, reading to the students and then answering questions.”
“In addition to highlighting the connection between literacy and a successful career, this event reflected the diversity of our community.”
Ms Jessica read from a book called Horrible Harry.
“She used the text to illustrate the damage bullies can do, the need to always put kindness and acceptance at the forefront, and the shortsightedness of judging a book by its cover.
“Students were completely engaged and asked lots of great questions,” the letter explained.
According to local media one question she was asked numerous times was about how to handle negativity.
“I had a couple kids that were like, I’m gay in school and I get bullied every week and I don’t know what to do and just talking to you helped me realise that I can still be me and still be happy,” Jessica told Fox 31.
“I got messages being like thank you so much for coming to my class. I was having a really horrible week and you made my day.”
In the correspondence the principal said she took responsibility for not notifying families and apologised for any stress caused.
The school says next year it plans to share a guest list with families ahead of the event.
