Oregon Middle School’s 'Drag Day' Sparks Debate During Pride Week

In a bold move to celebrate Pride Month, an Oregon middle school, the Arts & Technology Academy in Eugene School District 4J, rolled out a 'Pride Spirit Week' packed with themed days to honor the LGBTQ+ community. However, the initiative has sparked concern among some parents who felt blindsided by the lack of prior notice.

The week kicked off with vibrant flair on Monday as students donned every color imaginable for 'Rainbow-Out' day. Tuesday took a somber turn, with all-black attire to remember lost members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Wednesday's 'Drag Day' encouraged students to step into the fabulous shoes of drag queens, kings, or monarchs, or to explore cross-dressing as a different gender. Thursday celebrated 'Queer Hero Day,' spotlighting icons like Freddie Mercury, while Friday wrapped up with 'Pride Flag Friday,' where students embodied the flag of their choice.

But not everyone was cheering. A parent voiced frustration over the timing of the school’s communication, noting that the principal’s email about the week’s events arrived only on Monday afternoon, after the first day had already begun. The email also mentioned classroom lessons on the history of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, raising questions about why families weren’t informed earlier. Oregon state law mandates advance parental notification for instruction on human sexuality, and while the district argued most activities didn’t fall under this category, they admitted the notice should’ve come sooner.

The Eugene School District 4J defended the initiative, aligning it with the Oregon Department of Education’s LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan, which aims to highlight the histories and contributions of marginalized communities. They emphasized their commitment to inclusive, safe learning environments and promised to improve communication with families about future events.

Yet, this Pride Week isn’t happening in a vacuum. The district has positioned itself against recent federal moves under President Donald Trump to curb gender ideology and diversity initiatives in schools. Just days after Trump’s executive order recognizing only two sexes, Eugene 4J’s school board passed a resolution affirming support for transgender and gender-expansive individuals. They’ve also joined a federal lawsuit challenging Department of Education guidelines on racial preferences in school practices, signaling a broader pushback against current policies.

At its core, the school’s effort was meant to foster belonging for LGBTQ+ students and families. But as this story unfolds, it’s clear the balance between inclusion and transparency with parents remains a tightrope walk in today’s polarized climate.