Middle Schools across the U.S. Display LGBT Flags for National Pride Month

Two California middle schools raised gay pride flags Monday to little fanfare, while a similar action at a Virginia middle school stirred controversy.

Sylvandale Middle School in San Jose, Calif., raised the gay pride flag in recognition of June as being LGBT Pride Month, placing it just below the American flag atop the pole.

Juan Cruz, the superintendent of Franklin-McKinley School District, participated in the ceremony.

“We try to make a safe, inclusive environment – regardless of their sexual orientation – for all youth. That’s why we’re here today,” Cruz said, according to the East Bay Times. 

Antioch Middle School in Antioch, Calif., also raised the gay pride flag. The Antioch School Board had voted 3-2 on May 29 to officially recognize LGBT Pride Month. Antioch Middle School was the only school to raise the flag, according to EastCountyToday.net.

Meanwhile, an indoor LGBT Pride display at Powhatan Middle School in Powhatan, Va., has resulted in some pushback from parents. The display was sponsored by the Multicultural Student Association and included the more well-known gay pride flag along with the asexual flag, the transgender flag, the bisexual flag and the equality symbol. 

“We were promoting the idea that while people may have personal beliefs about the LGBTQ community, they cannot judge, attack and bully people for who they…