Texas School Puts Teacher on Leave For Wearing Pink Dress at School

A teacher from Hebron High School in Texas has been placed on administrative leave after a video surfaced showing him wearing a pink dress at school, sparking controversy and raising questions about appropriate attire for educators.

Table of Contents show

Viral Video Sparks Controversy

A video shared on the Libs of TikTok X account depicted chemistry teacher Rachmad Tjachyadi wearing a pink dress on Valentine’s Day, along with other images allegedly showing him wearing a tutu in class and a red dress at a prom event.

Administrative Leave and School Response

Following the viral video, Hebron High School’s principal, Amy Boughton, sent an email to parents informing them of the situation and revealing that Tjachyadi had been placed on administrative leave while the district reviewed the matter.

Email Statement

In the email, he wrote, “It is important to me to keep you informed of situations that impact our campus, even if your student is not directly involved. You may have seen a video circulating on social media expressing concerns with the way a staff member was dressed at school yesterday.”

Grounds For Placing on Leave

It continued, “We are aware of the video, and the staff member has been placed on administrative leave while the district reviews the situation, which is standard procedure. It would be natural for our families to have questions about this situation, but because this is a personnel matter currently under review, there is no additional information the district can share.”

Official Statement from the School

A spokesperson for the Lewisville Independent School District confirmed the teacher’s leave, stating that it’s standard procedure during such reviews, and emphasized that due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed at this time.

Past Collaborations and Dress-Up Days

A “queer archive” called The Forward/Slash Project highlighted Tjachyadi’s collaboration with the school, noting his frequent use of dress-up days to express his feminine side and serve as an LGBTQ+ role model in the educational setting.

YouTube Videos Showcasing Events

Videos allegedly from Tjachyadi’s YouTube account displayed events like “HawkFest 2022,” where the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) of Hebron HS participated, including performances by drag queens.

Teacher’s Reflection on Identity

In a video uploaded in 2021, Tjachyadi discussed his sexual identity, expressing his desire to be open about being a gay man and his enjoyment of feminine things.

I Was Always Gay

He said, “As a gay man, I want the opportunity to be out. My mom always said that America turned me gay. I was like ‘Mom, America did not turn me gay. America gave me the courage to come out.’ I have always been gay. I do really enjoy feminine things,” he added.

Community and Media Response

The incident has garnered attention on social media, with divided opinions on whether the teacher’s attire was appropriate for a school setting, and it has sparked discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in education.

Awaiting Further Updates

As the district continues its review of the situation, both supporters and critics await further updates on the outcome of Tjachyadi’s administrative leave and the broader implications for dress codes and LGBTQ+ visibility in schools.