Magic City Acceptance Academy approved during an unscheduled vote
After three unsuccessful tries to seek approval as an LGBTQ focused charter school, the fourth time, during a meeting in which a vote was not on the agenda, was the charm for the Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA). The commission has previously voted against the school, leading to accusations of bias and bullying on both sides. With the supporters of the school repeatedly accusing those who voted against it of “bias” towards the LGBTQ community and those on the other side saying they were being “bullied” themselves for being against the controversial school, which is outside the typical scope of charter schools. The school was previously denied on May 12, April 23, and September 10 and by the Birmingham City School board in January. This time, the day after the presidential election, after taking up an agenda item that would not include a vote, a vote was in fact called and seven of the nine commissioners present voted yes—to approve the school’s application, according to al.com. This will allow the school which will be located in Homewood, Alabama to open in the Fall of 2021. The charter school has gained attention for its controversial emphasis on LGTBQ youth, but in a new approach during this meeting while seeking approval, the group instead emphasized their plan to use trauma-informed instruction to help students leaning less heavy on their actual mission. Though Michael Wilson, the principal of MCAA recently said that all kids are welcome at the school, not just LGTBQ youth, he also noted that “We are most likely one of the only schools in the nation to have the statement that we are LGBTQ affirming in our Mission Statement.” The use of the word affirming has traditionally been reserved for churches and therapists with one therapist defining affirming as an approach, “that embraces a positive view of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) identities and relationships and addresses the negative influences that homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQ.” Both versions of the application, the original charter school application for the Magic City Acceptance center, and the amended application submitted in July of 2020 specifically state that it will be a, “LGBTQ-affirming learning environment” for sixth through twelfth grades or students ages 11-18. Going on to state that, “MCAA will provide a 6-12th grade school with curriculum and social programs that embrace the mission and vision of the school.” Their application also notes their intent to include LGBTQ materials into the learning environment of their school saying, “When polled, only one in five LGBTQ students reported that they were taught positivere/presentations (sic) of LGBTQ people, history, or events in their classes; and more than half (64.8 percent) of students reported that they did not have access to information about LGBTQ-related topics in their school library, through the internet on school computers, or in their textbooks or other assigned readings.” Alabama law specifically states that public charter schools must accept all students who apply and cannot discriminate for enrollment in the school. Wilson goes on to describe the school’s mission, stating, “We believe in integrating social and restorative justice themes and values in everything we do.” The new vote came after MCAA requested the rehearing in an Oct. 8 letter to the commission, arguing that the commission hadn’t provided adequate reason behind their denial at the September meeting. Nash Campbell, the attorney for MCAA, presented their reasoning at a virtual meeting. After a brief executive meeting, the commission agreed to grant the rehearing immediately. Principal Wilson made a short presentation, emphasizing the trauma-informed approach the school would use. After a vote, seven of the nine commissioners present voted yes. Commissioner Marla Green again voted no, and Commissioner Paul Morin abstained from voting. Commissioner Dick Brewbaker was not at the meeting.
LGBTQ Charter school denied again but supporters are forging ahead
At the September 10 charter school commission meeting, the Alabama Public Charter School Commission rejected the application for the first LGBTQ charter school. Four of the eight commissioners abstained from the vote, three voted yes, and one commissioner voted no, reported AL.com. The single no vote effectively denied approval for Magic City Acceptance Academy. This was the second chance for the Magic City Acceptance Academy to be approved. However, Commission Chairman Henry Nelson appealed to Commissioner Marla Green to call for a new vote. Green refused, so Nelson called for a commission meeting for September 17. It is unclear if they will reconsider at this meeting. Birmingham Aids Outreach started the charter school application process in order to “provide an affirming learning environment for LGBTQ students”, according to a BAO press release. “We’re thrilled to support BAO and the Magic Center Acceptance Center in their application for a charter school. All kids deserve a school environment that is welcoming and affirming, and far too often, that is just not the experience kids in the LGBTQ community have in a traditional school. This application has all of the elements to not only deliver a nurturing school environment but also an excellent academic experience,” said Tyler Barnett, Executive Director of New Schools for Alabama. The mission of BAO is to “enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS, at-risk, affected individuals, and the LGBTQ community through outreach, age-appropriate prevention education, and supportive services.” Commissioner Nelson has questioned whether the denial was due to bias. Al.com quoted Commissioner Nelson as saying, “There’s no school that’s come before us with stronger leadership, with the amount of money they have and have their own facility,” said Nelson. “I can’t see any reason based on our previous votes…that this school matches if not exceeds, every other school that we’ve voted on.” After the vote, MCAA Principal Michael Wilson spoke to the commissioners. “I would implore you to put bias aside and let us save some lives by providing the atmosphere and the academic environment that so many students out there need,” Wilson said. During the meeting, the commission approved two charter applications: Breakthrough Charter School in Perry County and Ivy Classical Academy in Prattville. They also denied an application from Knowledge Unlimited. Magic City Acceptance Academy was planning to open with 200-300 students grades 6-12 and be located in Bessemer. To reach the commissioners, go to their website for information.
