Commonwealth Policy Center

Three fifth graders from an Indianapolis school staged a walkout to protest Indiana’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Nearly 100 students, ranging from third to seventh grade, marched to a local park while waving pride flags and chanting, “We’re here and we’re queer.” Critics say this is the sexualization of grade school kids, and prompting them in political activism is directed by teachers and parents. Since when have 10 years olds become pawns in the culture war over sexual ideology? Perhaps it’s from parents like Shelly Snider, a self-identified lesbian who supervised the walkout and was glad to see so many students support her lesbian lifestyle. But what about other parents who believe grade school kids should remain in the classroom learning the basics instead of having kids support another mom’s sexual choices?