By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The administration of Notre Dame Academy issued an apology, but students still protested by painting the school's "spirit rock" in rainbow colors.
Toledo, Ohio, Catholic school students were unceremoniously removed from a performance of The Nutcracker when chaperones realized that Clara's parents would be portrayed as gay dads. Despite an apology from the administration, students still protested by painting the "spirit rock" in rainbow colors and emblazoning it with "God Loves U" on Tuesday, according to TV station WTOL.
Students from Toledo's Notre Dame Academy were on a field trip to Chicago for House Theatre's inclusive production of the holiday classic in which the young girl Clara's parents are played by men. Chaperones ushered the seated group out of the theater moments before the production began when they put the gay casting together, although there had been reviews that mentioned the show's inclusivity.
A Notre Dame Academy alumna, Carly McGoldrick, brought attention to the incident with a series of tweets in which she called the school out for "embarrassing" the students and for failing to refund them the money they paid for the show they weren't allowed to see.
None— Sara (@Sara) 1574652801
None— 444 (@444) 1574659352
"I was contacted by a current student who was just sort of concerned, confused, asking for advice. And I felt that I had a platform I could make an attempt to help in any way I could. And it actually sort of sparked something big, which is amazing," McGoldrick said, according to WTOL.
Notre Dame Academy released a statement Monday night apologizing for the students' removal from the performance.
\u201cFrom NDA President Kim Grilliot: We apologize for our decision for 8th graders leave to a performance of The Nutcracker before it began due to casting choices. The mistake is contrary to our inclusive spirit and reminds us our actions should affirm that we are all God's children.\u201d— Notre Dame Academy (@Notre Dame Academy) 1574733169
The morning after the administration released its statement, students protested by painting the "spirit rock" and planting rainbow flags around it.
None— 444 (@444) 1574788189
McGoldrick, who graduated in 2018, accused her alma mater of putting up a facade of "performative allyship" and demanded the administration "do better" following its tepid response to the incident at the House Theatre.
None— \ud835\udcfb\ud835\udcea\ud835\udcec\ud835\udcf1\ud835\udcee\ud835\udcf5 (@\ud835\udcfb\ud835\udcea\ud835\udcec\ud835\udcf1\ud835\udcee\ud835\udcf5) 1574738774
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
