Wake County hires transgender elementary teacher, sparking parental backlash and political debate

Wake County Public School System hired a transgender elementary music teacher for Middle Creek Elementary, a school serving kindergarten through fifth grade, without informing families. Republican State Rep. Erin Paré reported receiving concerns on X and floated the idea of legislation governing gender-specific attire in schools. Following her comments, Paré was subjected to death threats.

Wake County School Board member Lynn Edmonds defended the appointment, asserting that hiring protocols were followed and the educator is qualified. Principal Dr. Sarah Stephens refused to discuss the matter with the press, and the hiring was omitted from her back-to-school update. The issue has become a talking point in the U.S. Senate race, with candidate Michael Whatley condemning the hire and incumbent Roy Cooper’s record on related policies also under scrutiny.