An Oregon middle school is receiving criticism after hosting a “Pride Spirit Week” that included themed days such as “Drag Day” and “Queer Hero Day,” with some parents saying they weren’t informed until the event was already underway, according to a report from Fox News.
The event took place at Arts & Technology Academy in Eugene, part of Eugene School District 4J, as part of a weeklong celebration of Pride Month. Daily themes included “Rainbow-Out Monday,” “Remembrance Tuesday,” and “Drag Day” on Wednesday, where students were encouraged to dress in drag or as a different gender. Thursday featured “Queer Hero Day,” recognizing figures such as Freddie Mercury and Chappell Roan, and the week concluded with “Pride Flag Friday.”
According to at least one parent who spoke with Fox News Digital, the school sent a notification email Monday afternoon—approximately 15 minutes after students had already left for the day—leaving families unaware of the week’s planned activities beforehand. The email noted that the themed days were paired with classroom content discussing LGBTQ+ history and civil rights.
Oregon law requires that parents be notified in advance of instruction related to human sexuality. The district responded by clarifying that while the Pride Week activities were connected to educational themes, they did not fall under formal health or sex education, which would require prior notification and opt-out options.
In a statement, Eugene School District 4J acknowledged the timing of the communication could have been improved and stated it would work more closely with schools in the future to ensure timely notice about spirit weeks and special events. The district said the event was aligned with the Oregon Department of Education’s LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan, aimed at fostering inclusivity and safe learning environments.
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“Our goal is to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and safe,” the district said, adding that improved communication with families would be a priority moving forward.
Earlier this year, the Eugene 4J School Board passed a resolution affirming support for transgender and gender-diverse students and staff. The board also joined a federal lawsuit in February challenging updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Education related to race and gender-based policies.
As debates continue nationwide over the role of schools in addressing topics like gender identity and equity, this incident highlights ongoing tensions between district-led initiatives and parental expectations around transparency and communication.
