Oklahoma School Cancels Classes After Parents Threaten Violence Against Trans Student: “A Sharp Knife Will Do The Trick”
Oklahoma City’s Fox affiliate reports:
Several law enforcement agencies have stepped in after parents made threats to harm a 12-year-old Achille Public Schools student on social media last week. 12-year-old Achille Schools transgender student Maddie’s mother Brandy Rose says her family moved to Achille from Sherman when Maddie was in 5th grade.
“She’s been living as female for years– she started at Achille as Maddie,” Rose said. “We had no problems when we first started.” Trouble started when Maddie was accused by another student peeping under a bathroom stall.
One parent found out, and took to a private Achille Facebook group to complain. That’s where the threats started. Adults called Maddie by “it” and “thing.” Some said she should be stabbed or beat up. One even suggested it was open hunting season for transgender people. “That’s a threat against her life–that’s scary,” Rose said. “These are adults making threats– I don’t understand it.”
The Washington Post reports:
“Why are parents letting their kids be transgender?” said one post. “Parents and Churches need to shut this down, the Bible says God created man, and woman . . . not any transgender bs,” said another. “Hell with new laws and new rules, this is what our future is if WE don’t stop it.”
Others made disturbing threats of violence: “If he wants to be a female make him a female. A good sharp knife will do the job really quick.” “Just tell the kids to kick a– in the bathroom and it won’t want to come back!!”
Images of the posts circulated widely on Facebook, drawing outrage from transgender advocates. After activists began writing to the superintendent and organizing a protest at the school, the district announced it would be canceling all classes on Monday and Tuesday of this week.