In California, a mother of three, Janet Roberson, has faced significant repercussions for voicing her concerns over LGBT curriculum for children at a local school board meeting. Roberson’s unwavering commitment to her convictions has garnered both support and controversy, ultimately leading to her termination from her job.
Roberson expressed her concerns during a Benicia Unified School District board meeting on April 20, where she criticized elements of the curriculum that included asking children to identify their pronouns and discussing gender identity in math classes. She argued that such topics detract from core learning and questioned the scientific and medical accuracy of teaching children that gender identity is fluid.
Soon after Roberson’s outspoken comments, she found herself targeted by local activists who strongly disagreed with her perspective. Letters published in local newspapers, such as the Vallejo Times-Herald, criticized her remarks. Billy Innes, a former City Council candidate, emphasized Roberson’s affiliation with Compass Real Estate and labeled her comments as “bigoted” and “denouncing” gender-inclusionary language. Innes also made various claims against Roberson, including promoting racism, transphobia, and content favoring eugenics on her website—all of which Roberson vehemently denies.
Another letter addressed to Compass came from Nathalie Christian, the treasurer of the Progressive Democrats of Benicia and a self-described coordinator for a left-wing blog, The Benicia Independent. In this letter, Christian accused Roberson of having an “anti-equity, anti-trans, anti-Black, and anti-choice” agenda and urged Compass to take action against her. The letter also inquired about Compass’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices and how the company handles agents who engage in divisive or hateful rhetoric in their personal lives.
Christian set a deadline of May 1 for Compass to respond, threatening to publish a post on Roberson if they failed to do so. Reportedly, on May 1, Roberson received a call from the regional corporate director, informing her that Compass was terminating their business relationship.
Roberson expressed her shock and devastation at the abrupt decision. She highlighted her outstanding performance and sales record, questioning the reason for her dismissal. The director allegedly mentioned that it had “nothing to do with business,” leaving Roberson puzzled and deeply concerned about the true motives behind her termination.
The situation has sparked controversy, with Compass facing backlash for its decision to disassociate from Roberson. In a post on the matter, Compass stated that the decision was made at the request of her team’s owner, shedding little light on the specifics.
