Oregon middle school hosts 'Drag Day' encouraging students to cross-dress during Pride Week

An Oregon middle school, Arts & Technology Academy in Eugene, hosted a 'Pride Spirit Week' encouraging students to dress up for themes like 'Drag Day' and 'Queer Hero Day.' A parent raised concerns about late notification, prompting the Eugene School District 4J to acknowledge the communication lapse and vow to improve, while reaffirming its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity and its challenge against federal guidelines on racial discrimination.

1. 1 January 22: Eugene 4J school board adopted a resolution affirming gender identity, expression, and equity for transgender and gender-expansive students and staff.
2. 2 February: Eugene 4J school district became the first public K-12 district to join a federal lawsuit challenging Department of Education guidelines on racial discrimination.
3. 3 February: The Department of Education notified educators to stop using racial preferences and stereotypes.
4. 4 April: A federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked the Department of Education from cutting funding or prosecuting school districts while the policy is being challenged.
5. 5 This week (June 2-6): Arts & Technology Academy hosted 'Pride Spirit Week' with themed days.
6. 6 Monday afternoon: The school principal sent out a notice to parents about the Pride Spirit Week.

• Parental concern over the timing of notification for school activities
• School district acknowledged communication lapse and vowed to improve
• District reaffirmed its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity and challenged federal guidelines on racial discrimination
• Ongoing legal challenge to Department of Education's policies on racial preferences