Educators and Allies Raise Pride Flag to Support Students and Staff
WEAC leaders and allies raised the Pride Flag at the WEAC Building on June 2, 2025, to mark National Pride Month and make a statement of support for the LGBTQ+ community during a time of turmoil and fear.
Educators do their best when they are supported in the workplace, and students learn best when they feel accepted for who they are.
WEAC President Peggy Wirtz Olsen said, “Every student in every public school needs to feel seen, heard and valued. And our union supports our students and educators across Wisconsin in ensuring that they are safe, and loved, and supported in their schools.”
As a teacher, Wirtz-Olsen said it has always been important for students to know that she is an ally and a source of support in times of crisis and recognition.
Wirtz-Olsen said, “I have worked with student across Wisconsin in school districts where I’ve taught who needed the additional support, needed the additional welcome, needed to know that they were safe and that I was a trusted adult in the building who they could lean on and lean into.”
Madison Teachers Inc. President Michael Jones and MTI Education Project Lead Natasha Sullivan said they feel secure with their employer when it comes to offering themselves as resources to LGBTQ+ students, but they know not all educators in Wisconsin can say that.
“We are fortunate and it’s a shame that not everyone feels that way,” Jones said. “There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this like we always have. Madison’s schools weren’t always as welcoming as they are now, and WEAC hasn’t always raised the Pride Flag in front of the building. Our forebears made it better for us.”
Sullivan said, “Particularly with this presidential administration, there are a lot of folks looking for safe spaces.”
For Sullivan, being honest about who she is and making herself visible in the community helps her to be a better teacher. “Authenticity helps you with your students,” she said.
If you know someone who needs support, the WEAC.org Social Justice Resources page has links to information and proven crisis-intervention organizations.
