Equity & Diversity Video

State Canceled School Club’s Queer Alliance Drag and Donuts, Here’s What Students Did Next

By Kaylee Domzalski & Ileana Najarro — April 10, 2023 2:38
Scarlett Seyler, president of Boone High School’s Queer & Ally Alliance Club, stands for a portrait outside the school's Orlando campus on April 6, 2023.

The Queer and Ally Alliance student club at Boone High School in Orlando, Fla., planned for its annual Drag and Donuts event on March 23, where a guest speaker would share advice on self-acceptance and self-love.

But following state officials’ call to Orange County school district leadership expressing concern over the after-school event’s appropriateness, the annual event got canceled.

That has prompted a strong response from some students, who see a big-picture threat to their rights.

As state officials move to expand the scope and educator penalties of the Parental Rights in Education law, known by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, Boone QAA club president Scarlett Seyler shared how she hopes educators can help defend all students from such legislation, especially LGBTQ+ students.

Kaylee Domzalski is a video producer for Education Week, telling meaningful stories that impact the field.
Ileana Najarro is a reporter for Education Week covering race and opportunity in schools across the country.

Video

School & District Management Q&A Why This K-12 Leader Was 'Incredulous' When Congress Asked Him to Testify
New York City schools Chancellor David Banks' blunt take on appearing before Congress and leading schools in divisive times.
7 min read
New York City Department of Education Chancellor David Banks speaks at a press briefing at City Hall in New York City.
New York City Department of Education Chancellor David Banks speaks at a press briefing at City Hall in New York City.
Michael Brochstein/Sipa via AP
Teaching Video Some Topics Are Hard to Teach. A Teacher's Guide to Tackling One of Them
This guide for teachers is designed to create an understanding around the issues of poverty, and provide classroom lessons on the topic.
2:56
Ed-Tech Policy Video School Cellphone Ban Is Critical for 'Addicted' Students, NYC Chancellor Says
"I see no good reason for the kids to have access to their phones" during the school day, Chancellor David Banks tells EdWeek.
6 min read
New York City School Chancellor David Banks speaking at an event at the Union Settlement Union Carver Center where the Mayor talked about a plan to improve child care and early childhood education.
New York City School Chancellor David Banks speaking at an event at the Union Settlement Union Carver Center where the Mayor talked about a plan to improve child care and early childhood education.
Michael Brochstein/Sipa via AP
Classroom Technology Video How AI Can Save Teachers Time, According to a Google Executive
Google's head of education impact says AI can help solve some of the problems teachers are facing, but recognizes its limitations.