Royal Oak Middle School Displays PRIDE Flag
Royal Oak Middle School raised a PRIDE flag on Monday, June 1, 2021, to recognize PRIDE month.
"For the first time in Royal Oak Schools History, ROMS is showing its Pride. Happy Pride Month! Thanks, SAGA Club for your amazing leadership!" said Sarah Bockhausen, a teacher at Royal Oak Middle School and SAGA Club co-sponsor.
SAGA stands for Sexuality Acceptance and Gender Alliance and is a student-led group at the middle school.
"We are incredibly proud of our SAGA students," said teacher and SAGA co-Sponsor Hannah Mathes. "SAGA seeks to make ROMS a more welcoming place for everyone."
"Tuesday's events were an excellent example of the leadership and vision we have come to expect from students at ROMS," she added.
Each detail of the day, from the raising of the flag to the welcoming messages on the school sign and sidewalks, was the result of students' brainstorming, planning, and hard work.
There are many resources available to families when talking about PRIDE month. The following list was put together by the District's Restorative Practices Coach, Nicole Reynolds.
LGBTQ Pride Month occurs in the United States in the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the gay community in response to a police raid that began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, NY. As a result, many events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) people have had in the local and national community. LGBTQ History Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ community.
Kimberly Martin, PhD, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Coordinator at Royal Oak Schools said, "This year, Royal Oak Schools had several events to mark PRIDE month for the first time. First, Royal Oak Middle School raised the pride flag. Next, the Board of Education issued a Pride Month proclamation to honor the month and affirm that Royal Oak is a safe and welcoming school district and that all students are welcome."
"These were very progressive moves by the district," she added, "and will go a long way in making sure all of our students, families, and community members feel welcome and belong to a great and inclusive community."
