New Hanover County Schools responds after posting then deleting Pride Month Facebook post

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — President Joe Biden has proclaimed June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Pride Month.

It’s a time for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate its diversity and accomplishments. 

New Hanover County Schools joined in on Tuesday through a Facebook post but that post has since been deleted. 

The post made by New Hanover County Schools mentioned the school district was “excited to celebrate Pride Month… a time dedicated to honoring and recognizing the diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.” 

But the post was deleted not long after it was posted. 

Not long after the post’s removal, New Hanover County Schools Board Member Stephanie Walker took to her personal Facebook page to comment on the post being deleted.  

Her post reads in part: 

“The pride post was removed at the behest of a couple board members.” 

She goes on to say she is “vehemently against the removal of the post.” 

WWAY reached out to New Hanover County Schools regarding the post and it being deleted. A spokesperson for the school district responded with a statement. 

It reads: 

“New Hanover County Schools follow policies as written. 

We are obligated to ensure compliance with district policies in all forms of communication, including our digital and social media presence.   

Our decision to remove the post was made carefully considering our responsibility to uphold district policies consistently. 

We recognize the importance of representing our diverse community and are committed to finding ways to do so within the framework of our policies. 

We appreciate the community’s understanding as we work to balance the representation of our values with our commitment to policy compliance and remain committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and staff.”