Last week, students of the GSTA (gay straight trans alliance) of Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Missouri were celebrating a spirit week. During this week, GSTA students worked to raise awareness on inclusivity of LGBTQ individuals through themed days. They hung signs like: “No hate, no fear, everyone is welcome here.” In an endeavor to make their school a safer place for fellow students, they experienced just the opposite.

While being cheered on by a cafeteria of peers, a student promptly ripped off the signs and threw them away. We appreciate administrators of Kickapoo High School quickly disciplining this student and condemning this act of bullying; however, the message still lingers.

Members of Kickapoo High School’s GSTA now feel fear as they walk through their halls. Let us send a message to these students and LGBTQ youth across the state that hate indeed has no place in this state, and we love them for all they are!

#YallMeansAll #StandWithKHSGSTA