POTOMAC, Md. — An in-person PTA meeting in Montgomery County was canceled on Tuesday after potential threats were made about a book being read in a classroom that included LGBTQ+ characters, according to a letter sent home to parents.
The meeting for parents of kids at Bells Mill Elementary School in Potomac, Maryland, was forced to go virtual after the potentially threatening comments were made on a social media post.
The school principal, Dr. Stacy Smith, sent a letter to parents stating that the school posted a picture on social media of a teacher reading a grade-level book with students that included LGTBQ+ characters. The book was approved by Montgomery County Public Schools.
The social media post got comments Smith said were disrespectful and used hateful language, some of which were targeted at the PTA meeting set for Tuesday.
"Due to the severity of the comments, our PTA meeting will be transitioned to a virtual format and connection information will be shared through secure family channels," Smith said in the email to parents.
Smith added, "As a reflection of the MCPS commitment to ensure our curriculum is inclusive and affirming of all students, MCPS has approved a selection of LGBTQ+ inclusive texts for use in the classroom. Reading stories that reflect the diversity of our school community and world encourages respect and empathy for all."
The school district agrees with Smith.
"MCPS is committed to ensuring all students and their families see themselves in the curriculum to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming learning environment," a spokeswoman said in a statement. "These books are on the approved list of supplemental materials schools will have access to that align with our goal of providing more inclusive texts and resources in support of curriculum standards."