As Virginia schools investigate increases in chronic student absences, data shows the state’s homeless youth rate is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia recorded about 10,000 homeless youth in public schools annually. Those numbers dropped by nearly 3,000 students in the 2020-21 school year. Since then, however, they have steadily increased, reaching about 9,000 students, as pandemic-era protections and extra funding for programs like rental and food assistance have expired. (Virginia Mercury)
A high school musical starring LGBTQ characters draws criticism from a Lynchburg city council member. It’s part of a trend. Across the country, plays with LGBTQ characters and themes are stirring controversy in school productions. That’s what happened when Heritage and E.C. Glass high schools staged “The Prom,” and Councilman Misjuns criticized the show for “anti-Christian sentiments.” (Cardinal News)
TLC note: Read the article all the way to the end to learn (1) the City Council member took content out of context (and sometimes even referenced incorrect content) and (2) the amazing community response in support of the play, including a parent who is self-described as Christian and anti-choice: she pointed out how often Christians fail to obey their greatest command to “love thy neighbor” and continued, “It is clear sir, that you really don’t know the city you represent, because the 2 things Lynchburg loves most are Christianity and Theatre… and you have greatly disrespected both.”
