Jordan High Students Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights

During third period on Oct. 29, about 500 students at C.E. Jordan High School left class and walked onto the track to protest North Carolina Senate Bill 49, according to The Falcon Post, Jordan’s school news site.

The law, enacted in August 2023 after an override by the General Assembly of Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto, includes a prohibition against instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity until after fourth grade. It also requires that schools inform parents of transgender students about name and pronoun changes.

Jordan was among several schools participating in the walkout throughout North Carolina, organized by SHINE North Carolina and led locally by the high school’s queer alliance club.

Supporters of transgender rights for children can sign this petition, which seeks repeal of the law. In part, the petition states:

“We call on school districts to protect LGBTQ+ students by refusing to comply with policies that violate their federal protections under Title IX and place them at risk. Faculty and administrators should prioritize student safety and well-being over harmful mandates.”