Ozaukee County News

Scarlett Johnson, a member of the parental rights group Moms for Liberty, has raised concerns about the promotion of "gender ideology" and related concepts in schools in River Falls, Wisconsin. Johnson expressed her dismay and disbelief upon seeing reports and photographs of bulletin boards in a school in River Falls that displayed inclusive language and explanations of terms related to LGBTQIA+ identities. The photographs were initially shared on the platform "Libs of Tiktok".

According to Johnson, the "trans ideology/gender identity nonsense" has become deeply embedded in every aspect of public education in River Falls. She referred to it as a "virus". Johnson also criticized the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and its partnerships with organizations such as GLSEN, Safe Zone Project, Trevor Project, Gender Spectrum, and Advocates for Youth. She believes that these organizations are using schools as recruitment centers for their activism.

The bulletin board in question featured terms like "LGBTQ+," "gender," "pronouns," "bisexual," and "transgender," each accompanied by its definition. There was also a section dedicated to a "Rainbow Library," listing children's books that feature LGBTQ+ characters, history, and themes. Some of the titles included "Beyond the Gender Binary," "The Heart Break Bakery," and "Ace of Spades".

The Trevor Project and GLSEN are non-profit organizations that focus on providing support to LGBTQ+ youth, particularly in educational settings. Their aim is to prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals by offering various forms of support.

Moms for Liberty, co-founded in Melbourne, Florida in 2021 by Tina Descovich and Tiffany Justice, is known for its conservative stance. The organization's mission is to defend parental rights at all levels of government by unifying, educating, and empowering parents. It has grown rapidly since its inception, with 285 chapters across 45 states and over 115,000 members nationwide.

The concerns raised by Scarlett Johnson highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the inclusion of LGBTQ+ education and resources in public schools. Supporters argue that it promotes inclusivity and acceptance, while critics like Johnson believe it is an ideological agenda being pushed onto students. As the discussion continues, the role of parental rights and the balance between education and activism remain central to the conversation.