LGBT Group Takes Over GOP Initiative to Establish ‘Queer’ School in Major US City

Pro-LGBT ⁣Group Opens “Queer” Middle School Using GOP-Sponsored Law

A pro-LGBT group is ‌making waves by taking advantage⁢ of a GOP-sponsored law to ‍fund a groundbreaking new middle school in⁤ one of America’s largest cities.

The Empowerment Scholarship⁢ Account ‍program in Arizona, launched in 2011, provides vouchers to students attending low-rated schools, allowing⁣ them ⁢to choose​ alternative educational options such as private schools, homeschooling, and tutoring.

Last year, Republican ​lawmakers boosted the program, touting it as a victory for educational freedom. However, controversy has arisen as one group has used these vouchers to establish ⁣the Queer Blended Learning ‌Center⁣ in downtown Phoenix.

“We just had this population of sixth, seventh and eighth​ graders that could really benefit from a⁢ safe space to be ​able to really have⁢ exceptional education⁢ while also having education that pertains to their own identity,” said Clayton Davenport, One-N-Ten’s ​director of development and marketing.

Starting in August, the school will be located at the headquarters of One-N-Ten, a nonprofit ⁤dedicated to serving LGBT youth. The ‌micro-school, currently consisting of one teacher⁤ and eight students, aims to provide a safe and inclusive educational⁢ environment for ‍middle school-aged children, regardless of their ​sexual orientation.

Curriculum and Approach

The ⁣curriculum for the Queer Blended Learning Center will be provided by Spark Community Schools and will cover the basics of⁢ reading, writing, ⁣math, science, history, and more, with a special emphasis on LGBT topics.

“Specifically,” this means teaching “culturally responsive curriculum in ⁣civics — LGBTQ history,” said Katrina Thurman, president of Spark Community Schools.

The school will also ‌incorporate project-based learning, which has been proven to make education more relevant and engaging for students.

Financial Details

The cost of tuition to attend the private school is in ⁢line with‌ the state’s average voucher payout, which typically ⁣ranges from $4,000 to over $43,000. The exact amount depends on ⁣the needs⁢ of the child, with children with‍ disabilities typically receiving the highest awards.

This innovative initiative has sparked⁢ both‌ support and controversy, highlighting the ongoing ⁣discussions surrounding education, inclusivity, and the⁢ rights of LGBT youth.

Source: The Western Journal