Kameron Slade, New York Fifth Grader, Prohibited From Giving Gay Marriage Speech At School
A New York City-based fifth grader's pro-gay marriage speech will never be heard by his classmates after his school's principal deemed it inappropriate.
NY1 reports that Kameron Slade, a student at PS 195 in Queens, had planned to deliver the speech for a schoolwide competition. After winning a class competition, Kameron reportedly worked on the speech with his mother and teacher.
"Like President Obama, I believe that all people should have the right to marry whoever they want," Slade says in the poignant speech, which he delivered in full on NY1. He also speaks about his own experiences with a lesbian couple, who are friends with his mother.
"In conclusion, I hope that everyone understands how important it is to respect everyone for who they are," he says. "I believe that same-sex marriage should be accepted worldwide, and that parents and teachers should start to discuss these issues without shame to their children."
However, not only has Slade been barred for giving the speech, but his principal reportedly also told him he would be removed from the contest entirely if he did not choose a different topic.
Slade's mother, who did not want to be identified, told the news channel she was "really upset" by the school's decision. "[Same-sex marriage] is on the news," she said. "It’s a part of our lives now. They need to open up. The New York City Department of Education need to open up."
I definitely see what the principle is trying to say. Spreading love, acceptance & equality in young children's minds is simply inexcusable in a world where hate is abundant.
But I am so proud to see someone as young as him supporting gay marriage. When I was his age I thought gay and straight were terms of fashion (as well as the word virgin) So he does have a point in that kids should know about gay people and culture at a younger age.
Lol @ people still being afraid to discuss homosexuality. There are gays in the world deal w/ it. Yo sons still gon be sucking dicks in the stalls anyways.