24-04-2025
LGBTQ+ visibility sparks debate at Waterloo school board meeting
WATERLOO, N.Y. (WROC) — In Waterloo, there has been recent discussion on social media surrounding LGBTQ+ visibility in the school district. Wednesday, these folks brought the conversation to the school board.
From what News 8 has seen online, there are a couple different perspectives on LGBTQ+ visibility inside Waterloo schools.
Those in support of students and faculty talking about the topic — and others saying these discussions should not be happening in schools whatsoever.
It was a full house Wednesday night at the Waterloo Board of Education meeting.
Almost half of those in attendance, holding signs or wearing shirts, advocating for the visibility and support of transgender students and faculty.
Many came from outside the community to be at this meeting, including Rocco Vallerand, who is the founder of the support alliance for fairness and equality for transgender youth, or S.A.F.E.T.Y.
'There are children out there that the only safe space they have is at school. Their home life isn't that great, and if they see some of this stuff going on at school, where do they go? Where are they feeling safe?,' Vallerand said.
Folks including Vallerand chose to attend the meeting following a string of comments made by members of the Waterloo community on a Facebook post, discussing LGBTQ+ visibility among staff members in their schools.
There were residents who commented on the post in opposition of LGBTQ+ discussion within the district. However, these folks did not speak during public comment at Wednesday's board meeting.
However, residents supporting these discussions including Nikki Slater chose to voice their perspective to the board.
'All are valued refers to all students and all staff. It's not just the ones that look like us, that sound like us, who think like us and have the same beliefs as we it's all students and all staff,' Slater said.
Waterloo Superintendent of Schools Sarah Cupelli acknowledged the online discussion following public comment. Superintendent Cupelli provided a statement which is currently the first thing to appear on your screen when visiting the district's website.
'Recognizing that misinformation unfortunately often spreads on social media, the Board of Education and I, Superintendent of Schools, wish to clarify that the district is an equal opportunity employer. The district has not and will not terminate or discipline any employee or individual due to protected viewpoint, affiliation or status,' Superintendent Cupelli said.
Recognizing that misinformation unfortunately often spreads on social media, the Board of Education and I, Superintendent of Schools, wish to clarify that the District is an equal opportunity employer. The District has not and will not terminate or discipline any employee or individual due to protected viewpoint, affiliation or status. While the District is unable to share specific details related to any personnel matter, all decisions related to termination and discipline are based solely on legitimate business reasons, such as serious violations of Board of Education Policies and/or the District's Code of Conduct and/or neglect of duty. The District reserves all rights and will defend itself against defamatory statements and false claims.
Sarah CupelliSuperintendent of Schools
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