The Real Reason Parents In Los Angeles County Protested Pride

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2 years ago

July 11, 2023

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This article is adapted from Sundays Morning Wireepisode. To listen to the podcast version, click here.

Problems have been brewing in a Los Angeles County school district for years now. A recent clash with Antifa over LGBT Pride policies, however, finally garnered legacy media headlines.

The Daily Wire spoke to numerous parents of students at Glendale Unified School District about why they were protesting. The parents pointed to issues with transparency, inappropriate LGBT curriculum and policies, and directed us to shocking videos related to district policies.

Im not a political guy in any way, Ervin, a father of two students at Glendale told The Daily Wire. Im just a regular dad.

While Glendale is a notoriously liberal area of Los Angeles, where registered Democrats double Republicans, Ervin, like other parents who spoke to The Daily Wire, didnt consider himself particularly political.

When I started seeing these things pop up locally, and people are complaining about it, I decided to go to a couple of school board meetings and see what the fuss is about, Ervin said. And we learned quite a few things that happened. This all kind of got kicked off in my opinion when COVID happened, and some of the parents discovered what was being told to the students, especially the younger ones in elementary school.

Ervin is referring to the day parents protested an LGBT Pride Day assembly at Saticoy Elementary School, which is in the neighboring Los Angeles Unified School District. The school planned to teach children about LGBTQ+ identities. Some parents disagreed, saying they dont want sexuality discussed at school and many of them kept their children home on the day of the Pride assembly. It was reported that only 40% of the students showed up to school that day.

Why do elementary kids need to learn about sexual orientation or who they want to have sex with? Ervin questioned. Like, eight, nine-year-olds are not thinking about who theyre gonna have sex with.

More than 100 parents protested outside the elementary school. Protesters held up signs and chanted things like, Leave our kids alone, Theres no pride in grooming, and Teach our kids math, science, and English. A physical fight broke out between protesters and counter-protesters, and a small Pride flag placed outside an elementary classroom was reportedly burned the flag allegedly belonged to a teacher at the school who identifies as transgender.

Parents also claimed some of the counter-protesters didnt have a connection to the district.

I tell them right now, you dont have a child here, one father said . You cannot say what my child should learn or not. If the parent who has a child here comes and says, Hey I feel offended I can talk to him. But theyre here to provoke us.

Glendale parents said the issue of transparency has been raging for a long time.

Another parent, Marina Vivar, brought her complaint to a Glendale city council meeting and was captured on video. Her daughter an autistic ninth-grader who has a brain injury was taught about gay sex in class. Vivar said she opted her daughter out of certain portions of sex-education, but her request was not followed by the school.

My daughter was taught subjects such as scissoring which seems to be two females who decide to have sex with each other, Vivar said at the meeting. The good thing is they at least taught you to use female condoms, because if you dont use female condoms then two females can get pregnant, which is not something that can actually happen.

When my daughter did express that I did opt her out of these classes, she was called a bigot by her teacher and her aide, she was called intolerant, and she was also called homophobic, Vivar continued. I dont feel that a teacher or a staff members personal opinion, or beliefs, or lack of, should be considered on the clock. Thats not what you guys are paying them for. Were not paying teachers for their opinions, to share their opinions, or push their opinions, or agendas on children.

Principal Benjamin Wolf, according to reporting from The Post Millennial, told Vivar that her daughter, Thelma, was mistaken, and this incident never happened. He also told her that parents are not allowed to specifically opt out of LGBTQ content for their children, and must opt out of the entire course. Wolf did say, however, that the form Vivar filled out was in need of updating and would be for next school year.

Then how did my daughter come home explaining to me what scissoring was and asking me how two females can have sex and must use protection or else they can get pregnant? Vivar pushed back. How else would my daughter come home knowing the word transphobic? thats what I would like to know.

Vivar also said that her daughters aide in school is a woman who now identifies as a man and uses male pronouns. Her daughter didnt understand this due in part to her special needs, Vivar said, and was allegedly being sent to an office repeatedly and disciplined for messing up these preferred pronouns.

I got in trouble for it because I wasnt exactly sure, Thelma said. I never knew what it was. My teacher says I used the wrong pronouns I got in trouble for it many times, either through adults or students.

Thelma was told over and over that her aide is now a man. Vivar said the school kept these incidents from her and she found out weeks later.

Additionally, a middle school teacher from the Glendale district gave a presentation at the 2019 California Teachers Association LGBTQ Issues Conference, where she directs other teachers about how they can start a Gay-Straight Alliance club also known as a Gender-Sexuality Alliance club or a GSA in their schools. During the presentation, Rosemont Middle School English teacher Lisa Avery describes starting a GSA without permission from the school principal, who told Avery the children were too young for such a club.

By the time school started again in the fall, we were done asking for permission, Avery said during the presentation. We went to our administrators and said, By the way, were starting a GSA, just so you know. This is whats happening.

When they received pushback from the principal, Avery described how her husband then the schools Mental Health Counselor used colorful language when confronting her.

Right before we wanted to take our club public, [the principal] wanted to pull it out and be like, nope, we cant do it. She totally got cold feet, and my husband had a little conversation with her in the parking lot where he used some really choice four-letter words and basically said to her, Look, these are the kids on campus that are looked down on by everyone else, if you wanna make the club stop you can show up to our next meeting and you can tell them yourself.

One of the most notorious portions of the presentation, though, came when Avery said that she poached the schools most unstable children for leading the GSA. Our leaders were unreliable, Avery said. Remember, we had poached them from the counseling office, right? They were not the most emotionally stable students on campus. Actually, they were the least emotionally stable students on campus, right?

On June 6, things came to a head at the school district, when some 500 people reportedly protested outside a school board meeting.

They need to stop asking little children what they sexually identify as, one protester said, as seen in footage from a FOX affiliate. Another said, Anybody could come to the principal and say, Ya know what, Im transgender, and walk into the girls bathroom.

There were physical altercations at the protest that gained much media attention. Parents who were in attendance said they were being agitated by outsiders. They said those who started trouble had no connection to the school and some were dressed in riot gear.

Its been reported that members of the Southern California chapter of Antifa , a Left-wing political group known to use violence to shut down dissenting voices, showedup to the protest.

Where were they two weeks ago? Where were they four weeks ago? Where were they? Six weeks ago? Why is it that they showed up on June 6th? Were they there to antagonize people? Ervin asked. And thats exactly what happened. Thats exactly what happened.

We had a peaceful protest going on, the father added. And then, I mean, you could poke the bear so many times, eventually its gonna strike back.

Weeks later, on June 20, parents gathered to protest outside the last school board meeting of the year. That culminated in one arrest when protesters and counter-protesters again clashed. Almost immediately following that board meeting, Glendale Superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian announced her retirement, which was effective on June 30. Ekchian made no reference to the ongoing disputes between parents and administration on her way out, but she said the transformative work being done throughout the district would continue.

This wasnt the only high-profile departure from the district. Ray Shelton, a 5th-grade teacher with decades of teaching experience also left over the transgender policies. He went viral in April when he spoke out at a Glendale school board meeting.

Two plus two equals four. The world is not flat. Boys have penises, girls have vaginas. Gender is binary and cannot be changed. Biology is not bigotry. Heterosexuality is not hate, Shelton said at the meeting. Gender confusion and gender delusion are deep psychological disorders.

No caring professional or loving parent would ever support the chemical poisoning or surgical mutilation of a childs genitalia. Transgender ideology is anti-gay, it is anti-woman, and it is anti-human. And I can also say this as a gay man , Shelton continued before his mic was cut off.

Shelton was subsequently suspended from his teaching position, The Daily Signal reported . Hours after that viral moment, another teacher named Alicia Harris filed a complaint against Shelton, suggesting he was pro-Nazi.

For now, parents in Glendale are continuing to speak out. While The superintendent is on her way out, parents still dont yet know who will replace Ekchian. And another issue that parents are concerned about is a bill currently working its way through the California legislature that could chill future attempts to speak up at school board meetings or even on social media. The bill would criminalize harassment or threats toward school employees after school hours, but the bill doesnt specify what counts as harassment. Convictions could carry up to a year behind bars and a $1,000 fine. This bill claims to protect school employees from parents, but parents say the bill is designed to silence them.

Like I said, Im not some huge political guy, but now Im gonna be, Ervin told The Daily Wire. Right now, Im gonna get more involved. Im gonna protest like they say, Ive been activated now. Nobody wants to be an activist; its a pain in the a**. But if were dragged into it, were forced into it, we will be.

Sports

NHL draft tracker: Scouting notes and team fits for every first-rounder

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3 hours ago

June 28, 2025

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NHL draft tracker: Scouting notes and team fits for every first-rounder

Rachel DoerrieJun 27, 2025, 07:56 PM ET
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The 2025 NHL draft is taking place on Friday (Round 1) and Saturday (Rounds 2-7) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

This page will be your home for the entire event, as each pick is added below, including scouting notes and team fit analysis for the first-rounders.

More: Prospect rankings
Draft week buzz
Late-round gems
Needs for all 32 teams

Round 1

Team: Erie (OHL)
DOB: 09/05/2007 | Ht: 6-1.75 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
2024-25 stats: GP: 17 | G: 7 | A: 15 | P: 22

Scouting notes: Schaefer is projected to become a true No. 1 cornerstone for years to come. A dynamic presence at both ends of the ice, he skates with ease and elite mobility to shut down opponents in all situations, while creating offense with quality transition play.

Executives and scouts view him as a future elite NHL defenseman and a foundational piece for a championship-caliber roster. Schaefer’s ability to control play from the blue line, play tough matchups, and run a power play — combined with the belief in his character and leadership — result in many believing that Schaefer has the tools to become a top-10 defender in the league, while wearing a letter as part of a team’s leadership group.

How he fits: After trading Noah Dobson earlier in the day, the Islanders drafted their franchise cornerstone defender. Schaefer does everything well, and is a dynamic skater with elite mobility. He will take on the toughest matchups, help the Islanders exit the zone with smooth passes and carry outs, and drive offense from the back end. He’s a future No. 1 defenseman who will log 25-28 minutes per night and run the power play.

Schaefer’s ability to dictate play from the back end is franchise-changing for the Isles. Schaefer will attend development camp next week, and it is highly likely he starts the season in the NHL lineup. Don’t be surprised if Schaefer is running the power play and logging major minutes by November.

A very emotional Schaefer hugged his family and pulled on the Isles jersey for the first time, with a cancer patch. Through tears, he shared his excitement and emotion, and gained the hearts of a lot more than just Isles fans.

Team: Saginaw (OHL)
DOB: 02/16/2007 | Ht: 6-0.75 | Wt: 184 | Shot: L
2024-25 stats: GP: 65 | G: 62 | A: 72 | P: 134

Scouting notes: Granted exceptional status in the OHL in 2022, Misa delivered one of the most remarkable goal-scoring seasons in recent memory in 2024-25, netting 62 goals in just 65 games. He projects to be a top-line forward capable of consistently exceeding 90 points per season in the NHL.

Misa’s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the game at a high level and executes at top speed. Scouts believe he is NHL-ready and has the potential to become an elite top-line center. Away from the puck, Misa excels at finding soft areas in coverage and has a flair for delivering in clutch moments. His combination of high-end playmaking and goal-scoring ability makes him a constant dual threat in the offensive zone.

How he fits: The Sharks kept everyone guessing until the very last moment, but ultimately selected Misa. He is a special talent and adds a second elite two-way center to the organization. He projects as a first-line star, with dual-threat playmaking and scoring ability — notching 62 goals in 65 OHL games.

If Misa’s two-way game continues to improve, there’s a real chance the Sharks will have two centers capable of dominating play in all three zones with 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini already in place. On the power play, Misa can facilitate, be a shooting threat and carry the puck on entries. Because of his dual-threat capabilities, he can play the bumper, the flank or down low. With this selection, the Sharks have the potential to feature the best one-two punch down the middle for years to come.

Team: Djurgarden (SWEDEN-2)
DOB: 05/07/2007 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 198 | Shot: L
2024-25 stats: GP: 29 | G: 11 | A: 14 | P: 25

Scouting notes: Frondell is a versatile two-way forward that plays both center and right wing. His flexibility is attractive to teams, although many believe he is most likely to reach his potential as a winger in the NHL.

Frondell is coming off one of the most productive seasons by an under-18 player in Allsvenskan history, giving him a confident projection as a first-line NHL forward. He’s a cerebral player, who picks apart defenders in one-on-one situations and defensive coverage in offensive zone play. The details of Frondell’s game are translatable, including excellent forechecking ability, willingness to attack the middle of the ice and high-end anticipation on both sides of the puck.

He has shown play-driving capabilities against men in the Allsvenskan, which has translated to the NHL for other prospects in the past. He’s projected to produce between 75-85 points per season. His style of play translates well and has executives excited about his ability to step in the league in the next 18 months.

How he fits: It was no secret that Chicago wanted to add some size up front, and Frondell is exactly that. He can play center or the wing, and brings an excellent two-way game. He confidently projects as a first-line forward that beats defenders one-on-one, drives play on both sides of the puck, and should score nearly a point per game.

He plays on the inside of the ice and has the ability to score 30-plus goals in the NHL because of his excellent shot. Frondell is a year away from playing in the NHL, and probably two or three from hitting his potential as a top-line forward who drives play. Chicago can play him behind Connor Bedard up the middle, or on Bedard’s line to capitalize on the versatility he brings.

Team: Moncton (QMJHL)
DOB: 04/11/2007 | Ht: 6-1.5 | Wt: 178 | Shot: L
2024-25 stats: GP: 56 | G: 35 | A: 49 | P: 84

Scouting notes: Described as a “coach’s dream” because of his ability to take an offensive or checking assignment and execute consistently. He makes smart, simple plays, provides a physical presence on the forecheck and generally agitates and makes life difficult on defenders.

He projects to be a quality second-line center with a decent chance of becoming a first-line player. He’s cerebral, with quick hands and playmaking ability. He’s not flashy, but he’s consistently effective and makes intelligent plays with the puck. As one scouting director described “he’s the type of player you win with.” Some have quietly compared him to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, who are lofty comparisons, to say the very least.

How he fits: The Mammoth kept everyone guessing, would they trade or keep the pick. Ultimately, they kept the pick and selected Desnoyers. He can play in any situation as one of the best two-way players available. He’s a serial winner who plays whatever style of game required to win. If he needs to produce offense, he does. If he needs to shut down the opponent’s best, he does that too.

Utah needed some size and two-way capability to mesh with Logan Cooley, Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther, and Caleb Desnoyers is exactly that. He’ll be NHL-ready a lot sooner than people think because his professional details are top-notch. He projects as a play-driving, two-way, second line center that the Mammoth will turn to in key situations. As noted above, there’s a lot of Jonathan Toews in Desnoyers’ game, which will excite Mammoth fans, management and coaches.

Team: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
DOB: 03/16/2007 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 178 | Shot: R
2024-25 stats: GP: 57 | G: 33 | A: 39 | P: 72

Scouting notes: A Swiss Army knife type of player who will be most effective on the wing because of his strong wall play, Martin projects as a middle-six forward capable of scoring 20 goals routinely, with upside as a second-line forward.

He’s a wrecking ball that will bring value in all three zones, on and off the puck. Martin has scouts raving about him after an excellent performance at the IIHF under-18 championship, with many opining that he could go very early in the first round. He’s a workhorse without an off switch, who brings a blend of physicality and hard skill. He’s a nightmare to contain with his brute strength, and forces defenders into precarious positions with good speed and willingness to make “winning” plays.

Several teams mentioned how impressive Martin was during interviews at the combine. Combine an attractive personality with the hard-nosed style, and it forms a rare combination that is valuable to many scouts who believe he’s the type of player teams need to win in the playoffs. Surely, his mention of Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett as a role model grabbed attention.

6. Philadelphia Flyers
7. Boston Bruins
8. Seattle Kraken
9. Buffalo Sabres
10. Anaheim Ducks
11. Pittsburgh Penguins
12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from NYR)
13. Detroit Red Wings
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
15. Vancouver Canucks
16. New York Islanders (from CGY via MTL)
17. New York Islanders (from MTL)
18. Calgary Flames (from NJ)
19. St. Louis Blues
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from MIN)
21. Ottawa Senators
22. Philadelphia Flyers (from COL)
23. Nashville Predators (from TB)
24. Los Angeles Kings
25. Chicago Blackhawks (from TOR)
26. Nashville Predators (from VGK via SJ)
27. Washington Capitals
28. Winnipeg Jets
29. Carolina Hurricanes
30. San Jose Sharks (from DAL)
31. Philadelphia Flyers (from EDM)
32. Calgary Flames (from FLA)

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Isles draft Schaefer No. 1; Misa goes 2nd to Sharks

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3 hours ago

June 28, 2025

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Isles draft Schaefer No. 1; Misa goes 2nd to Sharks

ESPN News Services

Jun 27, 2025, 07:15 PM ET

LOS ANGELES — The New York Islanders selected gifted defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft Friday night.

High-scoring forward Michael Misa went second overall to the San Jose Sharks, and the Chicago Blackhawks took Swedish forward Anton Frondell third at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles..

The Islanders surprised nobody by using their first No. 1 selection since 2009 on the 17-year-old Schaefer, a 6-foot-2 blueliner from Hamilton, Ontario, who spent the past two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters.

He played only 17 games last season — collecting seven goals and 22 points — before breaking his collarbone in December, but Schaefer’s acumen on both ends of the ice still propelled him to the top of nearly all draft boards.

An elite puck-mover and brilliant skater with a top-end, two-way transition game, Schaefer has great poise, posture and edges that allow him to not only carry play from end to end but close quickly on opponents, shut down the rush and be a playmaker in his own right.

Schaefer is just the fifth defenseman drafted No. 1 overall in the NHL draft since 2000, and the first since Owen Power went to Buffalo in 2021.

Schaefer persevered through tragedy to reach this milestone. His mother, Jennifer, died of cancer 16 months ago. When Schaefer pulled on his Islanders sweater for the first time, he kissed the pink ribbon patch on the chest representing breast cancer awareness before breaking into tears.

“I appreciate you taking a chance on me,” Schaefer said in a video conference call with the Islanders’ front office. “I promise I won’t disappoint, but especially I just want to say to my mom and all my family and friends, thanks for everything.”

Misa tore up the OHL last season as the captain of the Saginaw Spirit, scoring 62 goals and 134 points in just 65 games. He joins a struggling Sharks organization that chose Will Smith fourth overall in 2023 and got center Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick a year ago.

“We just thought it was a perfect fit with what we already have here,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said. “Another guy to step in and be a nightmare matchup for people.”

An offensive force whose keen defensive instinct matches his natural scoring and playmaking skills, Misa, at 6-foot-1, brings physicality and bodily sacrifice too to give him a truly well-rounded game. His move permanently back to center this season also showed how he will insert himself through all facets of the game and he can fill that top six forward role in the NHL.

Frondell excelled as a 17-year-old forward last season with Djurgården in Sweden’s second division, showing off a two-way game that allowed him to push Misa on some draft boards. At 6-foot-2, he could provide a large complement to Connor Bedard.

The Islanders won the lottery to pick first in a draft that is packed with talent — while missing a few staples of recent drafts.

There was no absolute lock of a No. 1 pick in this field, although Schaefer clearly came out on top, and the draft also lacked the centralized structure that has long been a staple of this annual exercise. The 32 teams’ various executives are mostly at home, not strewn across the draft floor.

ESPN’s Kristen Shilton and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Panthers keep playoff MVP Bennett on 8-year deal

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3 hours ago

June 28, 2025

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Panthers keep playoff MVP Bennett on 8-year deal

Greg WyshynskiJun 27, 2025, 06:44 PM ET
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Florida Panthers playoff MVP Sam Bennett told fans during the team’s Stanley Cup celebrations this week that he wasn’t leaving.

He was a man of his word.

Bennett signed an eight-year contract extension with Florida, the team announced hours before the NHL draft Friday night. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, when he would have been one of the most coveted centers available.

Bennett’s new contract has a salary cap hit of $8 million annually, up from $4.425 million on his previous contract but below what Bennett was expected to be offered from other teams as a free agent. The Panthers are one of several NHL teams that play in a state with no income tax, which has become a hot-button issue in the league as teams such as Florida, Tampa Bay and Vegas have all won Stanley Cups recently.

Bennett, 29, had 25 goals and 26 assists in 76 games during the regular season. To say he levels up in the playoffs would be an understatement: Bennett had 11 goals and 12 assists (23 points) in 21 games, playing a physical game that resulted in him winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Last postseason, Bennett had 14 points in 19 playoff games during the Panthers’ first of back-to-back Stanley Cup wins.

“Sam is a special player who has mastered a unique blend of skill and physicality in his game, becoming one of the most impactful postseason performers of his generation,” Panthers GM Bill Zito said. “He played an integral role in our two Stanley Cup championships, earning the franchise’s first Conn Smythe Trophy and is a dedicated contributor to our South Florida community off the ice. We are thrilled that he will continue his career with the Panthers.”

In his 691 games with the Panthers and Calgary Flames, from which Florida acquired him in 2021, Bennett has 162 goals and 174 assists.

Bennett was one of three high-profile pending unrestricted free agents for the Panthers this offseason, along with winger Brad Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad.