High-Ranking NYC Official: Let 5th Grader Deliver Gay Marriage Speech

Queens, New York City fifth-grader Kameron Slade was told he could deliver a speech on any topic to his entire elementary school, but when the principal found out the speech was on same-sex marriage, she banned him from delivering it. Now a high-ranking NYC public official has stepped in and wants the principal to let Slade deliver his speech.

Fortunately, local NYC news channel NY1 got Kameron to deliver the speech to their cameras — you can watch his entire speech below.

In his speech, Slade, who is in fifth grade, so he is around 12-years old, says his mother explained his friend’s same-sex parents relationship to him, and, he adds, “the only difference was that there were two moms instead of a mother and a father.”

If Kameron Slade and his mother can figure this out, why are so many other Americans having a hard time, afraid they will have to explain same-sex marriage to their kids? If you’re struggling, why not watch Kameron’s video, below?

Parents should remember that studies show children — gay or straight — who grow up in more progressive environments are far less likely to attempt suicide that children who grow up in conservative environments.

READ: NYC Principal Bans 5th Grader’s Winning Gay Marriage Speech

Now, New York City’s Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has sent a letter to NYC Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott asking him to let Kameron Slade deliver his gay marriage speech.

Bill de Blasio, in a statement, credited the Kameron with showing “far more maturity than the adults in his school” and called for him to be “commended, not sidelined.”

For those who are not familiar with New York City politics, the Public Advocate serves as a watchdog, but is also first in line to take over the position of mayor should anything happen to him or her and they cannot serve. Needless to say, the NYC Public Advocate is a high-ranking official.

Below, the full text of de Blasio’s letter, and Kameron Slade’s video speech.

June 15, 2012

 

Dennis M. Walcott, Chancellor
New York City Department of Education
Tweed Building
52 Chambers Street, Room 405
New York, New York 10007

 

Dear Chancellor Walcott,

I disagree with the decision of PS 195’s principal to prevent 5th grader Kameron Slade from delivering a speech on Marriage Equality. At a time when Marriage Equality is the law of our state, we should not stifle students from engaging this issue on their own terms and in their own ways. Principal Bailey’s decision is a throwback to a different time, and has no place in the tolerant society all of us are working towards.

As a father with two children in our school system, I strongly believe our schools must set an example for acceptance of all students and all families. Kameron’s speech is a heartfelt expression of understanding that deserves to be commended. He has shown far more maturity than the adults in his school. His voice should be heard, not sidelined.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill de Blasio

Public Advocate for the City of New York

Thanks to Think Progress for the video.