In a letter to Gov. Mike Parson, Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood labeled criticism of a drag performance at the Jan. 19 Columbia Values Diversity Breakfast as "misinformation."
Characterizing the performance as child endangerment, being of a sexual nature or violating state law is simply false, Yearwood wrote in the letter dated Jan. 22. He copied Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in the letter.
"As one example, I recently received a letter from the Attorney General that indicates confusion about the City of Columbia’s event," Yearwood wrote. "Any characterization of the Columbia Values Diversity Breakfast as 'child endangerment' or having a 'sexual nature' or violating state law is categorically false. Although CPS was unaware what the performance by Nclusion+ would entail, their program was not an 'adult' performance. This type of misrepresentation is harmful to our students, our staff, and our community."
Bailey sent a letter Friday to the city of Columbia and the school district criticizing the district to allow students at an "adult-themed drag show performance."
Parson and State Sen. Caleb Rowden also made statements against allowing students to attend the event.
The criticism appears to have originated with tweets and an article from the right-wing propaganda site "Libs of TikTok." Known for anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, the Anti-Defamation League states the events and organizations targeted by the group are frequent targets of harassment,...
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