By: MOLLY RIDENOUR
Staff Writer
University Preparatory High School, located at COS, is a Tulare County Office of Education school. This school is described as a friendly and open environment. Well, that is not the case. On Monday, April 4th, 2022 a student, Race Camp was suspended for defending himself and others against a known homophobe. Many students who attend this school are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. The principal, Eric Thiessen, has said on repeated accounts, reported by students that he doesn’t agree with the LGBTQ+ “lifestyle”. Race was suspended wrongly, there was no violence, and he was simply and calmly standing up for himself. This is not okay, we are in an age where everyone is more open about who they are. They shouldn’t be afraid to be themselves. People like this are what’s going wrong in the world. The homophobic students, as well as staff members who agree with this mindset, should have their actions and words held accountable. The students started a walkout yesterday at 11 am. The Times-Delta was called to record this incident. We can see the students are passionate about not only standing up for themselves but others as well. If you know something is wrong, stand up for it. Film it, post it, and get the community’s attention. Your voice deserves to be heard, and don’t think for a second it’s not.