Omar Currie (B.A.Ed. ’13), in his second year of teaching at Efland-Cheeks Elementary School in Orange County, has been in the news for his use of a book in his third grade classroom that depicts two men marrying.
According to various media reports, Currie used the book “King and King” in his classroom to help students address what Currie described as a bullying incident in which one student referred to another as “gay” in a way intended to be derogatory. The book is written as a fable about a prince in search of love and ends up marrying another man.
Some parents complained to the school about the use of the book, prompting a public meeting on Friday (May 15) that drew more than 200 people. Most of those in attendance indicated by their applause support for Currie, according to news reports.
The story has been reported by outlets such as The Huffington Post, the Los Angeles Times and local newspapers and television stations.
Media Mentions
An extended interview with Currie by radio station WCHL is available here.
School of Education faculty member Jocelyn Glazier was interviewed for this story by the N&O about the use of “King and King” in elementary schools.
The News & Observer, May 15: “200 fill Orange County school meeting on gay fable”
The News & Observer, May 14: “Gay fable draws complaints at Orange County elementary school”
Chapelboro.com, May 17: “Efland-Cheeks teacher ponders future amid book controversy”
Huffington Post, May 18: “North Carolina teacher Omar Currie reads his class gay fable after third-grader is bullied”
Los Angeles Times, May 18: “Gay-themed children’s book challenged in North Carolina school”