Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

CPS responds to pushback to students attendance at diversity event with a drag performance


Governor Parson was one of the handful of lawmakers to take to twitter to voice their disapproval of the students attendance at the event. (Photo from twitter/@BarbaraBuffaloe){p}{/p}
Governor Parson was one of the handful of lawmakers to take to twitter to voice their disapproval of the students attendance at the event. (Photo from twitter/@BarbaraBuffaloe)

Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

A drag performance at Columbia's annual Columbia Values Diversity Day is stirring controversy after Columbia Public Schools Students were in attendance.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent a letter to the superintendent of CPS Friday afternoon and the mayor of Columbia after some middle-school-aged students saw a drag performance at the city's Diversity Day event.

“I am committed to ensuring that our school system is educating, not indoctrinating children and that parents have a say in the process,” said Bailey, in a letter. “Children in our state have a constitutional right to a quality public education because, in Missouri, we understand that training the next generation is essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties we cherish. I will use every tool at my disposal to ensure that children throughout the state are safe and receiving the education they deserve.”

In a statement to KRCG, Columbia Public Schools spokesperson Michelle Baumstark said there were 30 of their students at the event out of "more than 1,000+" attendees.

The event included the singing of the National Anthem, a presentation from student writers, a speech from Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, and a keynote speech from WNBA player Renee Montgomery.

The concern was over the last 15 minutes of the show, a dance and singing performance by "NClusion+."

NClusion+ performs drag shows, according to their website.

A main point of contention was if parents of students in attendance were aware of all aspects of this years event. Permission slips have been posted on social media but KRCG 13 has been unable to verify if those were accurate and have not obtained a copy of the specific slips.

Governor Mike Parson tweeted Friday night he was "deeply concerned" about the situation and added it was "unacceptable".

"Parents weren't clearly informed of the contents of the program, and adult performances are not diversity. Columbia Public Schools should focus on educational experiences that prioritize math, reading, writing, science, and history, which parents expect and demand for their kids," Parson said in a second tweet.

Baumstark said that the district received two complaints from parents of children who actually attended the event.

She said the district was in communication with those parents.

She also said the district has heard "communications from parents who did NOT have students at the event, individuals who do NOT have children enrolled in CPS, and individuals who do NOT reside in our community."

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffalo also shared thoughts on the event on twitter, thanking the committee who put on the diversity event.

The mayor's tweets from Thursday did not specifically address the CPS students in attendance. She did support the inclusion of the "NClusion+" performers in the event.

"Drag is a cross-cultural art form with a long & rich history that is fun and encourages self expression. As hate crimes against drag show locations and performers are being committed in other communities, we want to reaffirm that Columbia is a community that supports all," Buffalo said in a tweet. "We felt that it was important and appropriate to showcase members of our LGBTQIA+ community during a celebration about our diversity."

Missouri State Senator Caleb Rowden, who represents the Columbia area, said his office was in contact with officials from the district.

Rowden, who is also the Senate Majority Leader, said in a tweet his office had been "inundated with calls & emails" Thursday morning regarding the students attendance.

"I have asked for a meeting with the CPS Sup't and members of the CPS Board to voice these concerns, hear from them on the process that led to this series of events, and gather information to determine what next steps need to be taken at the legislative level," Rowden said.





Loading ...