Immediate Release More Information Please Contact:
December 17, 2010 Cpl. Evelyn Thomas (760) 434-4285
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Activist Faces Bullying and Harassment
(OCEANSIDE, CA) –Cpl. Evelyn Thomas, a veteran honorable discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell after serving four years with in the United States Army and the Marine Corp is now coming forward to disclose that she has also been a victim of bullying and harassment as an educator with both the Oceanside Unified School District and San Diego Public Schools.
Nearly three years ago, Evelyn Thomas, an educator with the Oceanside Unified School District, in San Diego County, California eagerly accepted the honorable and prestige role as the advisor for Oceanside High School’s first Gay Straight Alliance.
Shortly after accepting this advisor role she experienced horrendous harassment and discrimination from her fellow teachers, staff, administrators, and students. Verbal and physical bullying and harassment began immediately, her car was egged in a secured staff parking lot, rocks were thrown into her window and notes were left on her desk that said “Ur Gay”.
“It became an emotional, mental, and physical battle for my life”, says Cpl. Evelyn Thomas.
The bullying and harassment Cpl. Evelyn Thomas endured continued in San Diego County with the Collaborative Learning Study Group. After voicing concern to officials and standing up after a colleague use the term “fags eat poop” she was determined ineligible to continue with the program.
“The classroom and other educational venues are not safe environments for LGBT people”, says Cpl. Evelyn Thomas
Cpl. Evelyn Thomas is coming forth now nationally with her story to bring attention to bullying and harassment in schools for students and educators. As a result of her horrendous experience, Cpl. Evelyn Thomas has become a national activist in the fight for equality for LGBT people.
Cpl Evelyn Thomas says that her goal for sharing her story is also for the The San Diego County of Education and the Oceanside Unified School District admit and address the issue of tacit approval of homophobia in the learning environment for openly LGBT students, teachers, and administrators
Cpl. Evelyn Thomas is an educator, veteran, and activist advocating for equality; She is the founder and Executive Director of The Sanctuary Project www.sanctuaryproject.org. It is an activist outreach ministry that advocates for service members, veteran, and their families impacted by Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law.
