Parents incensed by 'mandatory' high school assembly featuring students performing in drag

Parents of students exposed to a mandatory drag show performed by peers are demanding transparency and accountability, multiple outlets reported.

"They knew there would be parents who would not support this, and this is why they let it in under the guise of 'culture,'" parent Amy said during an Elk Grove Unified School District board meeting March 7.

Amy and other parents reportedly asked KOVR not to use their last names to help protect their minor students from being identified. TheBlaze is also not using parents' last names for the same reason.

Amy and other parents took issue with a mandatory "multicultural expo assembly" that took place at Pleasant Grove High School on March 3. During the assembly, students from the school's LGBTQ group performed a four-minute dance routine in drag.

"Students and teachers are expected to attend assemblies that take place during normal school hours," school district spokesperson James Tan told Elk Grove Citizen, when asked if students' attendance was mandatory.

"Ive been a part of this district since 1983, and in 30 years, I have never felt betrayal like I felt on Friday," Amy also said. She added that her son, who was present at the assembly, felt "uncomfortable" and "trapped."

"Our performance is a protest for all the queens and transgender youth whose lives were lost for doing exactly what we are doing," a student drag performer told the audience, later introducing the "queens" about to perform.

"Our performance is for our community in Oklahoma, Idaho, Florida, Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee where we are actively being targeted. Everyone deserves to love, to be, and to be loved," the student also announced.

Heidi, a parent at the meeting who said her daughter was at the assembly, questioned the appropriateness of permitting the political commentary that preceded the show.

"The show included only Elk Grove Unified students and was held in full compliance with student codes of conduct and existing requirements for on-campus events," an Elk Grove Unified School District statement obtained by KOVR says, in part.

"All performances at the multicultural assembly were approved by school staff and administration with the support of EGUSD Secondary Education," the statement also says.

The statement also includes a remark that may be directed at the costumes the performers were wearing.

"The primary responsibility for a student's attire resides with the student and families."

Watch KOVR's coverage of Pleasant Grove High School's assembly below. The coverage includes a clips of students, whose faces are intentionally blurred, performing in drag.

Student-led drag show at an Elk Grove high school assembly angers some parentsyoutu.be

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