1st LGBTQ-centered school

[Jazzy]

Throughout her 30 years as a teacher, Patricia Nicolari said she faced repeated harassment from students due to her sexuality. Some left notes on her desk asking if she is a lesbian. Others called her a “dyke” under their breaths. And one day, students carved “Lez” into her car.

“At the time, I remember thinking, ‘I’m going through so much anxiety as a teacher. I can’t imagine what our students go through questioning themselves and how unsafe it is for them to come out,’” Nicolari said. Years later, Nicolari is done imagining. Instead, she’s taking action.

In September, she plans to open a private school in Connecticut that’s designed to be an oasis for LGBTQ students. PROUD Academy, which stands for Proudly Respecting Our Unique Differences Academy, will prioritize what Nicolari saw lacking in the U.S. education system: a safe, affirming and bully-free academic environment for LGBTQ students.

The private school’s curriculum aims to include educational basics like math and science classes, rigorous courses at the Advanced Placement and honors levels, and lessons that touch upon LGBTQ history and literature.

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What do you think of such a school?

 

[Lamb]

I think she's setting her students up to be a target in the future by those who hate them. She already said she gets hate notes and comments, does she think having her own school will stop that? It will stop within the school doors, but not outside them.

 

[Faith]

I think she's setting her students up to be a target in the future by those who hate them. She already said she gets hate notes and comments, does she think having her own school will stop that? It will stop within the school doors, but not outside them.

I agree. But on the other hand there are public schools that have clubs for LGBTQ kids. How is that working out for the teens?