Lincoln Public Schools board hears from crowd upset about LGBTQ+ signs

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Teachers in Lincoln Public Schools are given the option to display a sign that says “All Means All” in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

But some people think the signs aren’t appropriate for children.

“Why? Just why are you favoriting certain students over others?” Robbie Klever asked. “Why doesn’t LPS support all of their students?”

The LPS Board of Education heard several members of the public speak about the sign on Tuesday.

LPS Superintendent Paul Gausmann said students who are transgender or gender-fluid are more likely to face severe discrimination or harassment in schools and are four times as likely to attempt suicide.

He also said the signs are a way for students to know they have someone safe to talk to.

OutNebraska, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, is in support of the signs.

Executive Director Abbi Swatsworth said representation is important.

“It’s very easy for LGBTQ+ students to feel isolated in environments where they don’t see themselves represented,” Swatsworth said. “If we are talking about family dynamics in the classroom, it should be a comfortable space for even our smallest students to talk about their own families.”

Some who spoke against the signs said elementary students are too young to be subjected to these ideas.

“Each time we project our issues into elementary classrooms, we rob our children of innocence,” said Luke Meduna, an LPS parent. “This sexualizes children that are 10 years old and younger. These are issues that parents should be directly involved in discussing with their child at appropriate times and not the responsibility of a passive poster on a classroom wall.”

But Gausmann said that is not what the signs are about.

“The signs are not about sex,” Gausmann said. “It is not about our students as sexual beings; it is about who our students are as humans. Someone’s LGBTQ status is not political; this is a human rights issue. We are not asking our staff or our students to change their personal beliefs.”

Many opposed to the signs disagreed, saying LPS is pushing a political agenda.

“You choose to have one view hanging on your wall,” said Julie Sheldon, who has grandchildren in LPS. “Why does one opinion get to be above the other? LPS needs to stop being political, stop with these controversial topics and just get rid of all of these signs.”

But former teacher Gina Frank, who supports the signs, said that is not the intent.

“Nobody is forcing any kids to be gay, and nobody is forcing any kids to be trans,” Frank said. “All does mean all, and it should mean all, and it should mean every single child is accepted.”