Teachers Show Support at Rally to Reinstate Pride Flags

Pride flags used to wave proudly over Enfield town buildings, but not anymore. A 2022 proclamation had made June Pride Month in Enfield, and the Pride flag flew at town hall all month long. Then a new administration was elected, and earlier this month the Town Council passed a resolution stating that only the American flag, Connecticut state flag, and military flags could fly on town-owned property.

More than 100 Enfield residents and supporters, including many teachers, gathered outside a Town Council meeting last night to protest the decision. Teachers rallied around the banner for CEA Pride, CEA’s initiative dedicated to establishing a community for Connecticut LGBTQ+ educators and allies, celebrating a culture of inclusivity, and promoting equity.

“Some people say flags are inconsequential,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz told the crowd. “I disagree, because the ability to fly a flag says, ‘we see you, we love you, and we respect you.'”

Bysiewicz said that the situation in Enfield is reminiscent of other conversations happening around the country about banning books in public libraries and schools, adding, “The governor and I are with you in this fight.”

“Not allowing Pride flags to be flown on town properties and in town buildings is going to trickle down to our Board of Ed,” said Emily Hulevitch, Enfield Teachers’ Association president. “I don’t want our LGBTQIA+ students to feel that they need to worry or that they’re not supported. I want them to know that their teachers stand behind them.”

Other Enfield teachers who attended the rally, representing the preschool through high school levels, also underscored that they were there because of concern for their students and students’ families.

“I’m here to support and fight as an ally for my students in the LGBTQ+ community as well as for my neighbors and my friends,” said high school teacher Tony Allegro. “I think it’s important as a teacher in this town that everyone is heard and feels welcome.”

Allegro added that he wants to make sure his students know that they’ll always have support and are welcome in the community and that teachers are always there for them.

“As preschool teachers, we’re often the first to welcome children and families into the Enfield Public School system,” said Virginia Prentiss. “I think it’s important for them to get a strong welcome, which means representing all families.”

“A lot of students’ families are represented by the Pride flag, and by taking it down and saying it’s no longer welcome, it can make some of our students feel that their families are less than, and that bothers me greatly,” said fourth grade teacher Jessica Soule.

Fifth grade teacher Allison James said she attended as a teacher, resident, ally, and advocate for all of her students and their families. “I think it’s really important that every day we stress diversity and inclusion–and it’s important that we do that work in school, but also outside of school to make sure our community is following those same values.”

“I’m happy to stand with you because our state is a state that welcomes the LGBTQ+ community. We talk about expanding the rights of the community, not contracting them,” said Bysiewicz. “At a time when we see hate, we see homophobia, we see racism and sexism in other parts of our country and sometimes in our state, I know we can do better.”

Bysiewicz shared that since she and Governor Lamont took office, they have asked that the Pride flag be flown over the State Capitol every June—and the Trans Flag flew over the Capitol for the first time March 31, 2023.

Pointing out that it’s an election year, with races for the Connecticut General Assembly to Congress to president, Bysiewicz said, “This is the time to remember these conversations. Make sure you vote, and make sure you talk to candidates about their positions on this and so many other important issues.”

For more information about CEA Pride, including resources, news, and other materials, click here.