Smithtown Students Protest After Perceived Anti-LGBTQ Comments: Report

ST. JAMES, NY — Smithtown High School East students performed a walkout on Friday to protest perceived anti-LGBTQ comments made at a Smithtown Board of Education meeting, News 12 Long Island reported.

Mike Simonelli, an executive board member of the Suffolk PBA, said at the board meeting, "How confusing it is for our children to be told that a boy should be dressed as a girl," a video obtained by News 12 showed. Students then organized a walkout in protest of the comments, according to News 12.

Mark Secaur, superintendent of Smithtown School District, issued a statement on Friday.

"[On Friday], at the very end of the school day, about 20 students from High School East peacefully gathered outside of the building in response to anti-LGBTQ remarks made during Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting," Secaur said. "The event lasted approximately 20 minutes without issue. The district strives to provide an educational atmosphere where students feel welcomed, supported and encouraged to express their beliefs."

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