Cole Valley Speaks

3 months of efforts to communicate with Cole Valley administration and nothing to show for it

A joint statement from the support group, drafted by dozens of students, parents, and staff

13 years at a school that systematically worked to close my mind

Documentary teaser, online petition, upcoming barbecue, and organizer reflections

Topics include being a recent student in Cole Valley (Class of 2020), bullying, mental illness, and closed-mindedness

Topics include having an LGBTQ son, anger, grace, encouraging other parents to speak up, and wanting Cole Valley to do the right thing

Topics include judgement, harassment, out-dated views, and hypocrisy

Topics include verbal abuse, divorce, betrayed trust, and why praying isn’t enough

Topics include money and corruption, depression, a false learning disability, gay-hating, and bullying

Topics include mental health, attempted suicide, sexuality, policies about homosexuality, and the political environment

She wanted to know what he thinks because he’s a Cole Valley Speaks leader

Topics include anxiety and depression, ADHD, verbal abuse, conviction of the Holy Spirit, and whether Cole Valley can really change

A misleading email sent to the whole school community about our “protest”

Great discussions with dozens of students and some staff

Topics include “Cole Valley privilege levels”, favoritism for athletes, reactions from friends and family, and preparation for life after…

Topics include his personal journey, how Cole Valley Speaks started, what it’s like being an organizer, and thoughts on where this…

Support Group members went to Cole Valley to spread good vibes

Topics include a homosexuality clause in her contract, unqualified staff, verbal abuse, being fired, and post-traumatic stress

Topics include favoritism, special treatment for the rich, lack of critical thinking, and telling teachers “not to talk” to Cole Valley…

Sandwiches, catch-ups, and progress updates on Cole Valley Speaks

Topics include child abuse, hypocrisy, mental health, ethics, and optimism

Topics include incompetence, favoritism, mental health, evangelicalism, and judgement

Topics include being a Cole Valley parent, torturous bullying, pointing the finger, and not just praying about things

Topics include depression, virginity, sexism, the “bubble,” being bisexual, and atheism

Topics include bullying, racism, rape, and being suicidal

Topics include economic class, sexism, homophobia, sexual assault, and a lack of boundaries

Topics include anger, memories conflicting with stories, misogyny, and sexuality.

A potluck to meet and greet everyone that’s involved or interested in Cole Valley Speaks

Topics include striving, rejection, questioning, injustice, and childish conflict management