Council President Evan Glass expressed disappointment with Councilmember Kristin Mink’s comments during a June 6 Montgomery County Board of Education meeting concerning some parents who want permission to opt their children out of any class containing LGBTQ+ reading materials.
“I have spoken with Councilmember Mink about her comments and have expressed my profound disappointment,” Glass said Monday.
During that public BOE meeting, Mink likened the views of some Muslim families with the views of white supremacists and “outright bigots.”
A few days later, Mink issued a statement saying she regretted that her remarks “created an opportunity for misunderstanding and mischaracterization. I apologize for the hurt that this caused in the Muslim community.”
Her statement continued, “Even when individuals disagree about difficult issues, I am committed to finding space to foster authentic dialogue and seeking points of understanding. I sat down to hear from Muslim community members before my remarks on Tuesday and with District 5 Muslim leaders on Thursday. I listened, and I understand their concerns.”
During the BOE public meeting, Mink said, “This issue has unfortunately put, it does put, some, not all of course, but some Muslim families on the same side of an issue as white supremacists and outright bigots, however the folks who I’ve talked [with] here today I would not put in the same category as those folks, although it’s, again, complicated because they’re falling on the same side of this particular issue.”
During his weekly press conference Monday, Glass said the best way to deal with LGBTQ+ issues “is to change hearts and minds.”
He urged everyone to realize that the books that have caused some parents to ask that their children be permitted to opt out of some classroom discussions are about “families. Families in our community, legally protected families.”
Glass, who is gay, said all children should be allowed to be “their true and authentic self” and see themselves in materials discussed in school. It is important, he said, for all students to be seen and respected for who they are.
He added that public protests and debates “are not making it easier for other gay kids,” who are 40% more likely than their peer to be homeless and four times as likely to commit suicide.
Instead, Glass said, “I welcome a continued, respectful dialogue with members of our community.” Glass said.
During June, which is Pride Month, Glass urged everyone to attend at least one Pride event, many of which are listed on his website.
According to Montgomery County Public School policy, students may opt out of family life and sex education classes but not out of other courses, even if an LGBTQ+ book is included in the curriculum.
On Tues., June 6, I spoke at a Montgomery County Board of Education meeting about inclusive education & whether families should be permitted to opt their children out of LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum materials. I regret that although my remarks were focused on promoting inclusion, pic.twitter.com/XP4GzvKMpn
— Councilmember Kristin Mink (@CMKristinMink) June 11, 2023
