A member of the Franklin Township Board of Education in New Jersey is facing backlash after he applauded the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality at the Franklin Township High School graduation ceremony.
Ed Potosnak, an openly gay man, talked about how the Supreme Court’s decision would help end sexual orientation-based discrimination, according to a statement released by LGBT-advocacy organization Garden State Equality.
But Pat Stanley, another board member, is calling for his resignation because of the speech.
According to GSE, Potosnak’s speech was met with “cheers and applause,” but that did not stop Stanley from writing a letter to the board calling for Potosnak’s resignation.
“Commencement speeches are meant to teach students about the world they’re entering. Ed Potosnak sent a positive message about love, acceptance and the historical importance of the moment, which is absolutely appropriate and necessary,” said Aaron Potenza, GSE’s Bullying Resource Center organizer. “Our students need positive messages that show the importance of respecting identities, including LGBT identities. Ed Potosnak has done the work of a great educator.”
GSE members turned out to demonstrate support for Potosnak at the most recent Board of Education meeting, July 23 at Franklin Township High School in Somerset.
As of presstime, GSE could not be reached to comment about the meeting.