Hudson Teacher’s Classroom Comments Draw Parental Scrutiny

HUDSON — An Alvirne High School art teacher’s comments about state education laws and LGBTQ issues have prompted parental concern and questions about classroom compliance with New Hampshire law, including an exodus from the class.

On the second day of school, Art Teacher Kaitlyn Abbott-Rose reportedly told students she disagreed with new state laws requiring Pride-related displays to be moved from school hallways back into classrooms. According to a parent text message shared with The Granite Eagle, Abbott-Rose also referenced Pride parades, events involving drag performers, and personal struggles with depression over the summer. The parent objected to such discussions during instructional time and said a transfer request to another art class had been made.

Yellow Circle Added by Granite Eagle

Abbott-Rose’s course syllabus for Interior Design further notes that students will analyze the work of “artists of color, LGBTQ+ artists, and artists with disabilities.” She is also listed as an advisor for the school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance, alongside Math Teacher Jessica Wentworth, who uses the gender-neutral title “Mx.” in the classroom.

Classroom documents show students and parents are asked to initial a “Safe Space Policy” affirming that negative or mocking language around race, gender, sexual orientation, and other traits will not be tolerated. Wentworth’s classroom sign also identifies the space as “Mx. Wentworth’s Room.”

Some parents have claimed that enrollment in Abbott-Rose’s class has dropped significantly, from about 25 students to 10, though that figure has not been independently confirmed by the district.

On Aug. 27, The Granite Eagle submitted a media request to the Hudson School District asking what guidance teachers receive regarding compliance with state law, how academic instruction is kept distinct from political or personal commentary, and how compliance is monitored at the classroom level.

The controversy comes as New Hampshire’s new DEI law, which sets a Sept. 5, 2025 compliance deadline, requires districts to align classroom practices with state standards. The law emphasizes that instruction should focus on academics, not political, social, or ideological agendas.

Parents say the issue underscores blurred boundaries in the classroom. “When a student leaves math or art class at Alvirne High School talking about pronouns, pride parades, or a teacher’s depression instead of equations, color theory, or creative projects, something has gone very wrong,” one parent wrote.

As of press time, the district had not responded to a request for comment.

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