Garden State Equality Statement on Homophobic Comments made by Dumont School District Faculty

For Immediate Release

December 7th 2020

Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director for Garden State Equality, released the following statement in response to homophobic comments made by faculty members at Dumont School District:

“The homophobic comments made by at least four faculty members at Dumont School District about a LGBTQ educator within the High School are extremely unsettling. Schools must be a safe and affirming environment for all young people to learn and staff to work. The homophobic comments of educators during school classes is outrageous and underscores the fact that work surrounding lived equality is never over.  If LGBTQ educators feel unsafe, it’s impossible for students to feel safe. Data shows LGBTQ youth face some of the highest rates of bullying–combatting that requires a staff that creates a welcoming environment. After speaking with the LGBTQ educator and reading the homophobic language used by the faculty involved, it is clear that there exists an undercurrent of anti-LGBTQ animus in the Dumont School District. In addition to the anti-LGBTQ comments, there also exists a disrespect for women when the teacher who was the subject of the homophobic rant and her wife were referred to as “chicks.” Positive change needs to happen. That only occurs when everyone is invested in creating that change. Bystanders need to be supported as they are encouraged to be Upstander. Garden State Equality and the educator are calling upon Dumont School District to take the steps necessary to create the positive change. Not only is mandated training in order but the district must also listen to the needs and suggestions of the students and the teacher to begin the healing process and move forward. There must be creation of a safe work environment for educators, a safe educational environment for students and a clear focus on improving the climate for LGBTQ youth and staff. We look forward to continuing conversations with the School District.”

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