While 2020 has been a heck a year, one of the most important things that happened has been the definition of politics. As certain issues have come up, people have been quick to label them as "political." Unfortunately, issues with both race and sexuality have fallen into this category — when in reality, they align more with basic human rights.
As big issues have taken center stage, more people have chosen to be vocal over their beliefs. They believe it's important to get the word out. For example, there have been plenty of cases where teachers or students have been reprimanded for wearing "Black Lives Matter" T-shirts. One of the biggest stories happened this July. In Arkansas, a 6-year-old student was actually expelled from day care for wearing a "Black Lives Matter" T-shirt. According to Forbes, the center reportedly fought back, stating that "a childcare environment is not a place for a parent's political views."
Now a teacher in Reno, Nevada, is dealing with a similar battle — but regarding LGBTQ. Jennifer Leja, a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher who identifies as bisexual, is technically forbidden from taking part in "partisan political activities," per Upworthy. Still, putting up any sort of images or wearing any type of clothing that supports the LGBTQ community can only make other students who may be ashamed or afraid of their sexuality to feel more welcome. So she found a way to follow the guidelines while sharing her support.
As of right now, Jennifer — who works for Washoe County School District — is the only openly LGBTQ teacher in the entire school. One of the wonderful things about this is the fact that she can talk with other students who may need some of her advice and mentorship. She's an especially important figure for students who might not have anyone else to talk to.
And she said that students are definitely responsive to her being open about who she is. "I usually have a flock of 7th and 8th graders who are trying to learn who they are and how they identify, and they come towards me," she told BuzzFeed. In previous years, she's had a pride flag hanging in her classroom.
Unfortunately, this year, she had to take it down based on new rules. While the rules are in place for a reason, it's still tough for those who understand that sexuality isn't political. It's also not something students can openly choose. While the world has become more open, young adults who feel confused about their sexuality can still have a tough time growing up. It's especially difficult if their parents won't accept them for who they are.
According to the policy, "any signage that is displayed on District property that is, or becomes, political in nature must be removed or covered." Jennifer likely knew that while her flag shouldn't count, it probably would. So she tried to find new ways to showcase pride that also fit within the guidelines.
And it's not a way to cheat the system. For many students, having that flag up years prior likely made them feel at ease. And for students who don't identify as being part of the LGBTQ community, it never raised an issue. Before making any moves, Jennifer made sure to contact Trustee Andrew Caudill on the matter.
As she suspected, Andrew did say that her flag fell within the zone. "The courts have held LGBTQ+ issues to be political speech and thus, the rainbow flag [is considered] to be political speech, so it cannot be expressed through clothing and other means, such as displaying a flag in your class," he reportedly told her. However, she was allowed to talk about her own sexuality if need be.
"Who you are is not impacted by this policy, only what is expressed in class through visual aids," he said. While he responded kindly, it still wasn't the answer that Jennifer was looking for. Especially because, for her, the flag represents so much.
"The issue that I have with it is, I don’t think my existence and my identity is a political issue," she said to BuzzFeed. "I think that being able to have a rainbow flag is as much a part of my identity as anything else. It's legal in every state to get married; it's legal for LGBT people to exist in this country right now, so I don't see how it's a political issue."
It's not as much about Jennifer breaking any rules. She, and many others, just don't agree with LGBTQ matters falling under the umbrella of politics. By having the flag up, she's also quietly telling students that she's willing and able to talk about the topic if they have any questions or need any support.
"It's important for me because I feel like there are students who spend their lives in the closet and especially in middle school; that is when students are starting to figure out where they are," she commented. "They go through that time period where they don't know who they are or what they like." She noted that last year, she had a transgender student who felt supported in her class.
To address the situation, Jennifer posted a TikTok with her response. "No politics in Miss Leja's classroom," she said, panning throughout the room. "She just really likes rainbows." Even the duct tape she used to promote social distancing had bright colors. "Rainbows aren't political," she said.
Instead, rainbows are colorful and fun, and a great way to liven up any classroom. "A rainbow is just colorful and fun," she said. "It's not a political thing at all." And quite honestly? She has a point. While the flag may be gone, her room is still subtly supporting the community in a safe way.
While many people may feel like sexuality doesn't have a place in school, it's important to know that Jennifer isn't just talking about LGBTQ issues in her classroom. She just wants students to know that she's there for support if they need it. This year, parents have learned how important school truly is. Aside from education, our kids grow in many different ways.
It's a place where our children learn how to socialize and learn to respect other adults. For many kids, it's also where they feel safe and comfortable. Many kids get their main meals at school. Others learn how to use the internet. And for the students who are able to work alongside Jennifer, they're also able to ask questions they may not have another source for. And that's how she's making a difference.
