Beloved Texas teacher resigns after Libs of TikTok stoked outrage over his school spirit day dress

by Curated March 9, 2024 · Gay News / Gay Pride / Gay Rights / The Advocate

In his resignation letter, the teacher thanked the community for its support.

“I appreciate LISD’s support and the outcome of the investigation, which showed I did not violate any policies through my choice of clothes on a dress up day,” Tjachyadi wrote.

He explained that the controversy from outside the local school district impacted his decision to leave. “It has been challenging to watch the negative external commentary about me and about our campus, but much more important to me is the support shown by my colleagues, students, and LISD,” he wrote.

This incident is yet another example of Libs of TikTok’s outsized role in sparking contentious debates and targeting individuals for their support of LGBTQ+ rights or non-conventional gender expressions.

Last month, a gay principal in Oklahoma resigned from his position after relentless attacks fueled by Libs of TikTok targeted his school district after right-wing extremists discovered that the seasoned educator worked as a drag queen in a dinner theater.

The Dallas Observer reports that the backlash following the account’s post exemplifies the broader societal struggle with gender norms and the inclusivity of diverse identities in educational settings.

The situation drew reactions from the community and beyond, with students, parents, and activists rallying to support Tjachyadi. A petition demanding his reinstatement garnered over 20,000 signatures, while protests called for a more inclusive and hate-free school environment. Supporters praised Tjachyadi for creating a supportive classroom atmosphere that valued every student’s identity and expression.

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Christopher Wiggins