Students Vandalize Signage Featuring Pride Symbol at Cashmere High School
Two male students were disciplined says school official, fellow student points to homophobic bigotry as the cause
Two male students tore down signage featuring a rainbow heart image and the words “kindness, peace, love, inclusion, hope, diversity” at Cashmere High School last week, according to CHS Principal Craig MacKenzie.
“I spent individual time with both young men educating them on the goals of the Equity Club and our shared school vision of a place where all students feel safe and accepted. We have a progressive disciplinary policy in our school, and the incidents were dealt with in a way congruent with that policy,” he wrote in an email.
MacKenzie said he approved the posters and “none referenced any sub-group.” He said the language of the posters supports their vision for schools and students and removing them was not in line with “The Bulldog Way,” which is a document that outlines the foundations for success that were developed by students and faculty last year.
“While these recent experiences are not reflective of all of our students or our school community, we remain committed to educating our students and supporting a school community that feels safe and welcoming for all students,” MacKenzie wrote.
A CHS student with knowledge of the situation said the boys were motivated by homophobia.