KENOSHA, Wis. — Days after the Kenosha Unified School Board unanimously approved a symbolic LGBTQ+ Pride Month resolution on May 27, a Kenosha County Board committee rejected a similar measure after a tie vote on June 2, exposing a sharp divide among local elected officials over whether government bodies should take official positions on sexuality, gender identity and Pride Month.
The KUSD resolution passed with the support of all seven members of the school board. The measure recognizes June as Pride Month in KUSD schools and affirms the district’s commitment to inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ students, staff and families. The resolution specifically references LGBTQ+ individuals, states that LGBTQ+ youth continue to face discrimination and bullying, and says recognition and support from schools and communities is important.
The vote included school board president Carl Bryan, who is openly homosexual and whose drag persona, “Carlotta Cox,” has recently drawn public attention after photos circulated on social media. The vote also included recently re-elected school board member Bob Tierney.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Tierney’s vote drew particular attention from critics. Although Tierney has publicly objected to being labeled a liberal, including at a recent Republican fundraiser where he criticized Kenosha County Eye for describing him that way, he joined the board’s unanimous vote in favor of the LGBTQ+ resolution. Critics argue that Tierney frequently votes with the board’s liberal majority on major cultural and political issues while distancing himself from the label when speaking to Republican audiences.
The Pride resolution was not the only symbolic measure to receive unanimous support. The board also unanimously approved a Juneteenth resolution recognizing June 19 as a day of remembrance, education and reflection, as well as a resolution honoring former board member Yolanda Adams for her years of service. The Adams resolution highlighted numerous actions taken during her tenure, including approval of transgender nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policies.
The KUSD Pride vote came after some residents previously said they did not care about Bryan’s personal life, sexual orientation or drag performances unless those issues began affecting school board decisions. Critics now argue that concern is no longer hypothetical, pointing to the Pride resolution as evidence that LGBTQ+ issues have moved from personal expression into official school board action.
One parent who previously contacted Kenosha County Eye regarding the KUSD resolution said, “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that Carl Bryan is injecting his own personal politics and sexual preferences into the school district where my seven and eight-year-old children attend. The school board should not talk about Pride Month or sexuality at all. Keep that shit out of schools.”
Other critics expressed similar concerns, arguing that schools should not be involved in discussions involving sexuality of any kind — heterosexual, homosexual, transgender-related or otherwise — and should focus strictly on academics and education.
At the county level, however, a similar Pride-related measure failed June 2 in the Human Services Committee.
The county resolution was sponsored by openly lesbian County Board Supervisor Stephanie Knezz and co-sponsored by District 8 Supervisor Sarah Kirby. After debate, Supervisor Tim Stocker and Supervisor Erin Decker voted against the measure, while Supervisor Stephanie Knezz and liberal Guida Brown voted in favor. Supervisor Julia Robinson was absent.
Because the committee vote ended in a tie, the measure failed and will not advance to the full Kenosha County Board.
The committee meeting drew numerous supporters of the proposal. Several speakers who were born male but identify and presented as women spoke in favor of the resolution during public comment. Other speakers argued that Pride Month recognition sends an important message of inclusion and support to LGBTQ+ residents.
Supporters repeatedly described themselves as tolerant and accepting during the meeting. However, after the resolution failed, several attendees shouted “shame” and other insults toward committee members as they left the meeting, according to people present.
Opponents argued that government bodies should avoid symbolic resolutions involving sexuality and gender identity and instead focus on core governmental responsibilities. Critics said the county board should not use official government action to endorse Pride Month, LGBTQ+ ideology or any other sexuality-related cause.
The differing outcomes highlight a growing divide in Kenosha County. While KUSD’s all-liberal school board unanimously embraced the Pride Month resolution, the county committee rejected a similar measure before it could reach the full county board.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The debate also comes as Republican Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala ordered the Pride flag to be flown at City Hall beginning June 1. Meanwhile, County Executive Samantha Kerkman did not allow the Pride flag to be flown at county buildings.
Some local political insiders view Kerkman’s decision as one of the few culturally conservative actions she has taken during her more than four years as county executive.
With Pride Month now underway, the split decisions by KUSD, the City of Kenosha and Kenosha County suggest LGBTQ+ resolutions and public Pride displays will remain a major political flashpoint in Kenosha County.
4 Responses
I like where it was said to “keep that shit out of the schools”. Where is “heterosexual month”.?? Absolutely ridiculous… pride month.
Pride in what? Men banging men?
“The measure recognizes June as Pride Month in KUSD schools and affirms the district’s commitment to inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ students, staff and families. The resolution specifically references LGBTQ+ individuals, states that LGBTQ+ youth continue to face discrimination and bullying, and says recognition and support from schools and communities is important.”
This is a valid concern. The question is whether it should be a political football. If the district was encouraging tolerance and inclusion, that should be a daily practice. The value isn’t in what you say on a piece of disposable paper but rather what is done every day.
The county’s excuse was fuzzy at best. But again, it’s what you do that counts. Some people will argue that the piece of paper is necessary symbolism. Maybe, maybe not. But again, it’s what you do that matters.
Lawyers on the ready and people are not wanting to rattle the cage.
Its moral decay at its best. When is enough, enough?