Tension runs high on eve of Pride protest at Saticoy Elementary School

There’s a possible showdown coming to Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 2, when a parent group plans to protest a Pride assembly after two weeks of escalating tensions and a hate crime investigation by LAPD.

The parent group, known by their Instagram handle Saticoy Elementary Parents, posted on May 16 their intent to boycott and protest a June 2 assembly and book reading that would teach children about families with same sex parents.

“Our stance is we are not anti-LGBTQ, but this is not age-appropriate material to teach to Elementary School students,” said Ana, a member of the parent group who did not want her last name published for safety concerns.

School officials intend to proceed with the assembly as planned. The assembly and book reading has the support of the Los Angeles Unified School District, which has stated it is committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment that embraces the diverse population it serves.

In a Thursday morning Instagram post the Saticoy parent group urged everyone to “be calm! be cool! be collected!” saying their intent is to hold a peaceful protest. Other posts include a call to “keep your kids home and innocent on June 2” and “now is the time to say stop grooming our children.”

Renato Lira, director of the San Fernando Valley LGBTQ Center, said some parents are concerned about safety. He and a group of volunteers will be at the protest, he said, to help LGBTQ families and their children walk into school during the protest.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Daily News reported that the LAPD was investigating the burning of a Pride flag in a plant pot placed by a teacher outside of a classroom at Saticoy Elementary School as a vandalism hate crime. The flag in question belonged to a transgender teacher who is not currently at the school due to safety concerns, the Los Angeles Times reported. The parent group has denied any connection to the incident.

The blackened planter and burned flag were discovered by school personnel on May 22, said LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton of the Valley Bureau.

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho condemned the incident in a Wednesday Twitter statement, noting that the district was working closely with LAPD and intends to take “appropriate action” after the investigation concludes.

“We are vigorously investigating this unacceptable act that serves nothing more than to diminish our school community,” he said. “There is no place for hate or intolerance in Los Angeles Unified.”

The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), the union that represents LAUSD teachers, has criticized an Instagram post on a page used by Saticoy Elementary School parents who oppose the book reading, and who  shared photos of a transgender teacher who works at Saticoy Elementary.

“Attacking and ostracizing trans teachers shreds the fabric of our state,” stated UTLA. “United Teachers Los Angeles stands with the trans community and will vigorously oppose any actions, boycotts, or other demonstrations used to intimidate LGBTQ+ educators and families.”

The controversy at Saticoy Elementary has drawn widespread attention and is part of a national debate over what protections should be given to LGBTQ+ community members and whether students should be taught about gender and sexual identity in school.

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, whose congressional district includes Saticoy Elementary in North Hollywood, said in a Twitter post that he was “very concerned” about the flag burning.

“Every child deserves safety and acceptance,” stated Schiff. “We must fight against discrimination and create an inclusive environment for all. Hate has no place in our schools and communities.”