On Friday, March 11, students from Gifford’s high school and middle school Gender Sexuality
Alliance Clubs (GSA) spearheaded a walkout in conjunction with a national youth movement to raise awareness about legislation discriminatory to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Parental Rights in Education bill, dubbed by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill is at the center of this controversy. “The Gifford School is taking a stance in support of our students, many of whom have often felt marginalized because of their identities,” says Wil Fredian, Gifford’s Executive Director.
River D.G, one of the student organizers of the walkout event at Gifford agrees, “The way our school came together amazed me. We all stood together as a group and chanted as one. We got so many people to honk in support and shouted until our voices were practically gone. All in all, I’m proud of my school.”
Inclusion and acceptance have always been part of Gifford’s culture, as we educate students with
complex social, emotional and learning differences. Our students have not thrived in traditional settings because of their neurodiversity, often feeling excluded, misunderstood and judged for their differences. This is the driving force behind their support of this movement, regardless of their own sexual orientation or gender identity. Not only was this a great example of civic engagement on behalf of our students, but it exemplifies the spirit that makes Gifford a safe,
accepting and supportive community for all.