Counter Protest

As a part of USL’s Transforming Education Campaign, we successfully advocated for the addition of two new classes at South Whidbey High School: Ethnic Studies and Environmental Science. We also pushed for comprehensive LGBTQIA+ sex education and other changes to the SWHS health curriculum.

These changes received overwhelming student support, but a small number of community members spoke out with claims that South Whidbey students were being “indoctrinated” by the new curriculum.

In June of 2021, these community members organized a protest against the new curriculum as well as the black lives matter banner hung on school property. Members of USL organized a peaceful counter-protest on the same day to protect these important changes and stand up for their education.

The counter protest attracted over 360 people, including 150 students. The support we received was incredibly inspiring and reinforced the importance of fighting for equity and inclusion in our school system.