WORCESTER—The Worcester School Committee voted against reconsidering a resolution that would have specifically designated the district as a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and staff.
In a 5-3 vote, the committee declined a motion to suspend the rules and bring the resolution back for discussion, preventing it from moving forward.
During the Feb. 6 meeting, committee member Susan Mailman originally proposed the resolution in support of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it was replaced by an alternate version from member Molly McCullough with broader language that applied to all marginalized groups.
Mailman’s resolution was reintroduced for reconsideration on Feb. 27, drawing a large public turnout.
Public comment lasted for more than an hour, with passionate arguments on both sides. Supporters of Mailman’s resolution, such as Worcester educator and Gay-Straight Alliance advisor Kirsten Frazier, urged the committee to take a stand for LGBTQ+ students.
“The LGBTQ+ community, particularly the trans, non-binary, and gender-fluid community, are being singularly targeted in this political climate,” Frazier said. “The resolution that member McCullough put in its place is the ‘All Lives Matter’ version, and it is inadequate.”
Others, including speaker Bonnie Johnson, supported McCullough’s broader resolution, arguing that all students should feel included.
“I do believe all children should be protected and that three-letter word ‘all’ is important,” Johnson said. “When you start saying that there’s a small group here and here and here that needs different things you’re setting up yourselves for these groups not to feel included. They should all feel included. It is all. All our students in Worcester. It is essential that all schools should continue to support all of their marginalized students as well as nonmarginalized.”
The committee’s decision frustrated many in attendance, including Worcester resident Gary Hunter.
“You’ve got a hundred people here speaking up—you know there are more in the community,” Hunter said. “It’s time to take a stand. Don’t change the wording. Take up the motion and vote on it.”
Despite the outpouring of public opinion, the committee’s vote stood. Members Dianna Biancheria, Maureen Binienda, Alex Guardiola, Kathleen Roy, and Mayor Joseph Petty opposed the motion, while Vanessa Alvarez, Jermaine Johnson, and Mailman voted in favor. McCullough was absent from the meeting.
The decision drew strong reactions from the crowd, echoing the controversy from the Feb. 6 meeting, with some attendees voicing their outrage as they exited the chamber.
Jason Bleau has more than 11 years of experience in news media. He has worked as a news anchor for WINY 1350 AM in Putnam, CT, and contributed extensively to publications under The Stonebridge Press. Jason has also served as Press Box coordinator and recap reporter for Thompson Speedway, covering local and national racing talent. He can be reached at bleau.jason@yahoo.com
