Submitted by FavoriteSocks t3_10pj1sk in ColumbiaMD
I saw this on Twitter and I could not believe the replies. This meeting is gonna be a shit show.
https://twitter.com/hcpss/status/1620081923333951488?s=46&t=qBJTb2v0j3XNm7MAVs42Bg
Comments
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6kzzxu wrote
Yep a few of us have signed up in support of the teachers and librarians. I'm a public librarian in another county and we've had issues with similar groups.
LonoXIII t1_j6l4ea3 wrote
I wonder how many of those showing up to the meeting know that our county schools are subject to county code Title 12, Subtitle 2, §§ 12.200—12.218, which protects numerous groups from discrimination, including based on sexual orientation, personal appearance, or gender identity or expression. This code applies to many areas including "public accommodations" and "any other facets of the lives of its citizens where such practices may be found to exist."
Any 'parents rights' advocates can complain all they want; the board literally cannot change HCPSS policy regarding LGBTQIA+ inclusion or representation under county code. Not that they would, seeing as the Superintendent serves as an ex-officio member of the county's LGBTQIA+ Commission and the policies protecting LGBTQIA+ staff and students have been on the books for decades (with the last revisions years ago).
geht2dachoppa t1_j6mkvzk wrote
They are mainly people from different states and such. It's like, we are good up here. Keep your crap where you live.
Dr_Beatdown t1_j6n3qeu wrote
I can't take anybody seriously who uses the pejorative "Libs"
koei19 t1_j6ksace wrote
Holy shit that comment section is an absolute dumpster fire
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6ksohk wrote
It really is. And again I would bet that most of those people don't even know where Howard County is. But they'll have people show up at the meeting screaming about groomers.
[deleted] t1_j6kw19s wrote
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[deleted] t1_j6kzhbe wrote
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koei19 t1_j6l0ia9 wrote
Yeah, pretty much
ohitsmark t1_j6l6rzk wrote
Sigh. My wife runs an Instagram account for LGBT kids at her school, and recently has had comments on her posts from an account "ihate____fags", just leaving hate filled comments.
I'm sure she is excited for this.
[deleted] t1_j6l8ftx wrote
People leaving those comments are despicable, I’m sorry she has to deal with that.
Zamaamiro t1_j6kwihu wrote
None of those cunts actually live here.
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6kwupz wrote
It never occurs to them that the inclusiveness of the school system might actually be a benefit to those of us that live here.
hymie0 t1_j6mgmfv wrote
Not quite...
They have decided that inclusiveness isn't a benefit to anybody anywhere.
Nicticattack t1_j6paptf wrote
Please do not use this language. Keep it civil or your comments will be removed.
No-Pianist8555 t1_j6kx89a wrote
Yes we do and still think it’s batshit crazy
S4mm1 t1_j6l7129 wrote
Honest question, do you think gay/trans children magically go away or become straight because they are not allowed access to media that represents their life experience?
Zamaamiro t1_j6l1gms wrote
Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.
No-Pianist8555 t1_j6l2cm4 wrote
Can’t get out soon enough. Enjoy your bubble
chairmanm30w t1_j6lr1mh wrote
Get fucked :)
butter08 t1_j6l2rcs wrote
Are you worried that a word may make you suddenly find guys attractive?
I bet this happened before and it didn't work out for you. Otherwise I can't imagine why you are so worried about any of this.
[deleted] t1_j6l3ey3 wrote
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butter08 t1_j6l6pwq wrote
I would love an example. I would read through it and decide
It really sounds like something Foxnews would hype for a day, no one would research it and it would just become some pseudo fact.
You seem pretty up on this. What is the book and you seem to know a passage I should look at. I hope to learn something here.
[deleted] t1_j6l7eda wrote
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ErsatzHaderach t1_j6l6hdu wrote
lol
christian-mann t1_j6lm5es wrote
there's like ten books in a library of 300+ (I can't count don't @ me)
this is absurd
I don't have a child in the school system but I live in HoCo and feel like I need to show up to this to counter the mob
edit: also, so many people in those comments are like "ooh Grandpa's Camper sounds suspicious!!!1!" while if you go look up the plot summary it's actually a very sweet story about a girl who inspires her grandfather to go adventuring again. This is infuriating.
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6n6bx8 wrote
Yes the thing about many these "think of the children" types is they really tell on themselves with their comments. They take harmless, benign books and immediately find a a way to make them seem sexual. Accusations being confessions and all that.
spuriousfour t1_j6l945c wrote
Was that picture actually taken at a Howard County school? I can't find anything indicating it is in the photo itself.
eye_can_do_that t1_j6mm76j wrote
Even if taken at a hcpss school, it could also be staged by a parent trying to create controversy... the picture/scene just seems off to me.
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6lb1ka wrote
I have no idea. I just happened to see the tweet from the School District, was surprised by how many comments there were under it and then shocked by the tone of the comments. But it very well could be a Howard County school 🤷♀️
plasticutensils t1_j6kr5ji wrote
Obviously, all Howard County Citizens commenting ..........
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6krdj4 wrote
Exactly. I really hope that the Board of Ed is prepared.
blorbschploble t1_j6lkjwr wrote
I think any idiot adult who tries to make this about groomer nonsense is not prepared for and is underestimating our kids, much less choosing to stomp on one of the more highly educated cohorts of parents around.
Perhaps I should sign up, read up and comment.
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6mlibz wrote
I agree. I work in a much more conservative county and their Board of Ed caved to this nonsense and the kids were not having it. All it does is damage the relationship between them and the adults around them.
geht2dachoppa t1_j6mlmze wrote
This is crazy. We are proud of our inclusion. They need to leave our community alone.
The_Social_Nerd t1_j6mzqcl wrote
The problem with this is that most of us either have kids or jobs that prevent us from going to these things, so even though they’re a minority the crazy people that show to these things disproportionally outnumber the actual parents who have kids in HoCo schools and support this type of inclusivity.
Is there a way to participate in this discussion from home? Not necessarily during the live event but perhaps send a letter or email afterwards?
My family and I moved from Miami to HoCo last June precisely to escape this kind of hate and anti-LGBTQ crusading happening in FL. HoCo being inclusive and diverse has always been one of the biggest selling points of this place for us (along with the schools)
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6n0bb2 wrote
I believe you can sign up to attend virtually. That is what I'm doing.
Sure_Comparison6978 t1_j6kr5vn wrote
What’s the relationship to TikTok?
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6krymp wrote
Libs of Tik Tok is an account that posts a lot about LGBTQ issues and things that they seem to be "grooming." They have a huge following and many of the subjects of their posts get harassed and worse by the followers of that account. Teachers and librarians (and others) have been sent death threats for having certain books in their schools and libraries.
[deleted] t1_j6l06uq wrote
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FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6l1d79 wrote
I don't go to their page, but I was completely shocked when I saw the comments in response to HCPSS's tweet and it seems that the only reason it is getting all of that attention is because it was reposted by that account (who I'm sure knows nothing about Howard County, it's citizens or it's values).
I don't think that having inclusive books in a library is "out there" and I'm upset that now teachers and librarians in my kid's school system will likely be targets because of that accounts followers, regardless if they show up or not.
[deleted] t1_j6l34jh wrote
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FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6l6ync wrote
Its disingenuous to pretend that Libs of Tik Tok doesn't have an agenda with what they repost or that they don't know the consequences of it. I have no idea what the context of the original post was, but I know the context of the repost. I would venture to say that the majority of parents in the school district are fine with their child having Jacob's New Dress in the library, but that isn't going stop people who had never heard of Howard County before seeing the repost, from weighing in with hateful messages. It is clear that they nothing about Howard County or what the majority of parents value.
I'm a public librarian so I am aware of what the books in question are, as well as the scrutiny and review that the books have gone through by education professionals. I may or may not be okay to have my child reading certain things, but I don't have the right to make that decision for other parents.
[deleted] t1_j6l7orm wrote
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FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6l8hdr wrote
People are free to make decisions for their own children and I respect their right to do that, even if I disagree with their decisions. But they don't have the right to make those choices for other peoples children.
Sure_Comparison6978 t1_j6l5j12 wrote
It was an honest question…not sure why this is downvoted.
koei19 t1_j6kswkt wrote
"Libs of TikTok," is the name of a Twitter account that appears to be devoted to targeting places that have books that talk about gender identity. I didn't dig very deep though. Twitter is such a cesspool.
chawlk t1_j6lkwjg wrote
The same two people will show up from the same non-profit, “Families Unite Howard County”, and spew the same hate. It’s a small group of hateful people that have too much idle time. They are worthless bags of trash that have nothing of value to add.
Limerase t1_j6moewx wrote
These people are living under a rock.
2319SugarDroid t1_j6nr69p wrote
I grew up in Howard County and now in Florida but I feel like I should show up and counter the negative people
Nicticattack t1_j6pb03w wrote
This post has been locked. Too many comments are getting out of hand and the conversation is no longer productive.
[deleted] t1_j6laddb wrote
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[deleted] t1_j6lm5st wrote
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Wjbskinsfan t1_j6kspxc wrote
Can someone please explain to me what the big deal is with libs of TikTok? All I’ve ever seen is them reposting content liberal’s posted first.
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6kta5h wrote
It's not so much always what they post, it's the fact that they have such a huge following and many of those followers are a bit unhinged. Teachers and librarians have gotten death threats after being seen on that account.
I have a kid in HCPSS and I don't want anyone from outside of the county weighing in on what my kid can or cannot read. This is just going to become a complete shitshow.
[deleted] t1_j6kw3hb wrote
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[deleted] t1_j6kztdq wrote
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Zamaamiro t1_j6l4f8h wrote
You’re full of shit.
[deleted] t1_j6l4jgk wrote
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Zamaamiro t1_j6l4lr8 wrote
Can’t reason yourself out of a position you never reasoned yourself into.
Wjbskinsfan t1_j6l48v9 wrote
I’m an hcpss teacher and I don’t want people from outside my he county having a say either. I just find it a bit weird that people get mad at the person reposting what others have shared and not the person who originally posted it. It seems to me like the libs of TikTok account only shares things others have posted saying “check out what this person posted”. Like, if you don’t want people seeing what you posted, it probably shouldn’t have been posted at all.
Does that make sense or did I totally miss anything?
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6l5e6q wrote
I think it's pretty disingenuous to pretend that the the Libs of Tik Tok account with its millions of followers, followers who have been known to send death threats to people that they accuse of "grooming" isn't aware of the consequences of reposting what they do. Especially with their editorial commentary. I have no idea of the context of that original post, but I do know the context of the repost.
Wjbskinsfan t1_j6l6pyz wrote
The context of the repost was hey, look at this post from HCPSS and this book that highlighted. Again, if you don’t like people knowing about what’s being said then it probably shouldn’t have been put on the internet in the first place.
Like, if someone posts a video saying all members of a certain ethnic group are evil am I the asshole for reposting it saying “check out what this person said”?
FavoriteSocks OP t1_j6l86kl wrote
Well hopefully none of your coworkers receive death threats by people who had never heard of HCPSS until they saw the post on Libs of Tik Tok.
plasticutensils t1_j6l63hh wrote
Just out of curiosity, they don't happen to only allow people who are Howard County residents to only attend?
Wjbskinsfan t1_j6l7li1 wrote
I believe so, although I myself have never been so I can’t be 100% certain. If they do let other people attend I’m sure they wouldn’t be allowed to speak.
[deleted] t1_j6l520l wrote
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Wjbskinsfan t1_j6l5z6q wrote
Yes but did you see what kind of TikTok actually posted? They literally just shared a post from hcpss. If they didn’t want people seeing it they shouldn’t have posted it in the first place.
eye_can_do_that t1_j6l9zwe wrote
They did't share a tweet from hcpss , they shared a tweet from a parent that was complaining about their kid's libray; although, we don't know if the 'parent' staged the photo or if it is even an hcpss parent.
Wjbskinsfan t1_j6lduta wrote
Most parents aren’t allowed in schools right now because of covid restrictions. The ones that are can only go with an employee and aren’t allowed to take pictures. That photo came from hcpss. Whether it was from the official hcpss account or an account from one of the schools run by the media specialist I don’t know but it wasn’t from a parent.
eye_can_do_that t1_j6mlgnl wrote
Parents are limited during school hours. After school activities use the school, including media room, every day. I am in my kid's hcpss school's media room once a week for scouts and could easily rearrange a shelf to stage a photo. I am not saying this photo is staged, but something seems off about it. I doubt it was a school official because they were complaining about it, but again, there isn't a great way of knowing for sure.
[deleted] t1_j6l64ue wrote
I’m agreeing with you…not sure why you’re arguing with me…or am I misunderstanding?
Wjbskinsfan t1_j6l70kh wrote
No, sorry. I misunderstood. I thought you were saying something different. My bad.
[deleted] t1_j6l7rdw wrote
All good, it’s hard sometimes, I’ve done it plenty
Stormcaster06 t1_j6l7q7g wrote
“These are the books they’re giving your kids in school.”
It’s pretty clear that in the context of this tweet this Twitter account is attempting to spark outrage. It’s not simply re-tweeting a post. It is providing commentary designed to rile people up.
mysteryweapon t1_j6lbb4w wrote
It's an account whose sole purpose is sewing hateful rhetoric and doxxing people
You knew that though didn't you, and you'll follow up with some innocent-sounding whataboutism next right?
Fuck off
nosayso t1_j6ktb8z wrote
They intentionally brigade the targets of their posts with an overwhelming amount of hate online and in person. Teacher and librarians have regularly gotten death threats after being targeted by the account in the same fashion that they just targeted HCPSS.
Wjbskinsfan t1_j6l3m5k wrote
Okay, but my point is libs of TikTok don’t actually create content. They only repost content that other people posted. If a racist posts a video of themselves saying all people of a certain race are evil and I repost that video saying “check out what this person said” is the hate that person gets my fault or theirs for saying racist things in the first place?
TotalHell t1_j6lhrs8 wrote
Ok, now what if you were part of an interracial couple and you posted a picture of you and your partner having just gotten married, smiling for the camera. And then a white supremacist social media account retweets it saying “Look at this marriage that happened today…” And suddenly you and your partner find yourself getting nasty messages and threats.
The white supremacist account merely reposted it telling people to take a look. Are you saying that you are at fault here because you posted the original content?
The account knows what it’s doing. It’s sharing things to rile up its audience. That should be obvious. Context IS content, and context includes audience and purpose.
mysteryweapon t1_j6lzdjq wrote
> If I repost racist content and reframe it, subtly, as "but maybe they have a point!"
You're a fucking racist too, and fuck off
Wjbskinsfan t1_j6mt85u wrote
So pointing out that Donald Trump says racist things makes me a racist?
[deleted] t1_j6l3oa3 wrote
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jujyfruit74 t1_j6kzh6l wrote
As a parent of HCPSS students, I feel it’s my responsibility to sign up (assuming I can get a slot) and be a rational and supporting counterweight to that hate-filled community. Anyone else ready to step in to the fray and hold the line for inclusivity?