By Sophia Goodnow, MTRS Communications Intern
Buckland, Mass.—The Mohawk Trail Equality Alliance (MTEA) organized an in-school walkout at Mohawk Trail Regional School (MTRS) on March 11 to protest damaging legislation to LGBTQ children and familes. Students stood in solidarity against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation and other movements such as Texas’ recent bill which makes gender-afferming health care inaccessible. MTRS students Emery King and Rylee Hager led the walkout and addressed the crowd about the severity of these movements.
"It was important to me to show everybody that they're not alone and that they have the whole community behind them,” said Hager. “And also to be able to … start something that can help make change."
This emotion was closely echoed by King, "By having a walk out and showing the kids in Texas, Florida, and Idaho and all the places like that that they aren't alone will make them feel slightly better about the situation."
MTRS principal Chris Buckland states MTRS strives to be a safe place for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ community and a school that supports diversity and inclusivity.
“I was pleased that we were able to support a student-led initiative,” said Buckland, “ [and] students were interested in participating in something that underlines how important it is to be a school that celebrates and welcomes diversity, equity and inclusivity.”
MTRS teacher and MTEA advisor Tamara Brown conveys that MTRS empowers students to support and understand each other while educating students on gender and sexual diversity as well as providing staff with trainings on how to best support LGBTQ youth. Nearly 80 percent of the student population (both middle and high) came together to voice their disdain for the hateful anti-LGBTQ movements.
"It makes me feel better being at school knowing I have so many people who are here to support me if I need it, and for other people too," said King.
The walkout was completely student-led with the support and available resources of administration as well as MTEA advisers. Both parties expressed how proud they were that students were brave and passionate enough to take action even against possible backlash.
“I hope that every young person feels this kind of passion and deeper connection to something bigger than themselves. I hope they always stand up for what they believe in, while also being open minded enough to listen and learn from others' perspectives on the same issues,” said Brown.
