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At a polarized time when school boards around the country are facing pushback from critics over LGBTQ+ inclusive lessons and mask mandates, one Florida school board member found herself on the receiving end of outrage after she took schoolchildren on a field trip to a gay bar.
For the last 10 years, the school board has partnered with the owner and staff of Rosie's Bar & Grill, a gay bar in Wilton Manors, and taken children on a field trip where they learn about ordering from a menu, paying the bill, and tipping the server.
Although the establishment is known for raunchy menu items like the "Rhoda Cowboy" and "Ivana Hooker" burgers, Rosie's co-owner John Zieba notes that the children are given age-appropriate menus.
But that didn't stop people from criticizing and sending death threats to school board member Sarah Leonardi after she posted about an experience where children "learned a lot about our community!"
I was SO honored to be invited to chaperone @WiltonManorsES's field trip to the incredible Rosie's! The students and I had a fun walk over and learned a lot about our community! A huge thank you to @RosiesBnG for hosting this special field trip every year! pic.twitter.com/A3rpMbyUJP
— School Board Member Sarah Leonardi (@bcpsleonardi) October 27, 2021
Some people who responded to her tweet, which quickly went viral, went so far as to call her "evil" and accuse her of "grooming" and indoctrinating children.
pure evil. Never was a fan of homeschooling, but it's growing on me.
— Jason Buchan (@JasonBuchan) October 28, 2021
This is grooming. Kids should not be taken to any bar and grill by anyone but their parents. Wonder if permission slips were required and if slips had this on the agenda.
— Edward (@EdwardrTaylor1) October 28, 2021
This is textbook grooming.
— Abigail Westwood (@AbiWestwood) October 28, 2021
This is just wrong on so many levels! Then telling the world that you did it! It is an indicator of just how much reform is needed in schools and school boards.
— Theresa Hauck (@DrTheresa123) October 28, 2021
This is insane!! As a parent, I would never have signed off on a permission slip for a field trip like that!! @GovRonDeSantis
— beachygirl (@beachygirl5) October 29, 2021
Others came to Leonardi's defense.
Standing in support of your participation in this field trip for Wilton Manors Elementary School students. Rosie's B&G is a great neighborhood spot and I hope to see this field trip tradition continue! Signed, a local Mom ✨❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍
— Veronica (@veronicas140) October 29, 2021
👏 If I could have went on a field trip like this at that age, it would have been literally life changing. 🏳️🌈
From what I've gathered, the bar and grill isn't a typical “bar" - they have special kid-friendly menus and coloring pages. No different than a field trip to Outback!
— Mikey Russo (@MikeyPanik) October 29, 2021
Thank you Sarah, my son had a great time at Rosie's. We love our LGBTQ community, we love our school staff too.
— N.Bellu$ (@crapburger4u) October 29, 2021
Thank you for all you do!
— Sharon P (@jcapulet301) October 29, 2021
Thank you for being GREAT Sarah! ❤️
— Elijah Manley (@iElijahManley) October 28, 2021
Leonardi has confirmed she reported death threats to the police.
She later issued a statement saying:
"As a school board member, I am committed to staying engaged with my community. I'm always proud to join classes for field trips and events, especially when schools are connecting with the vibrant small businesses in my district."
"Sadly, I've recently been attacked with bigoted comments and death threats. My friends and family have also been targeted."
7NewsMiami spoke to former student Patrick White, who confirmed the field trip has not only gone on for years but he actually went on it when he was nine years old.
"Basically, we went over there, we ate and had some fun. We all wore, like, matching shirts."
The Florida Department of Investigation told the news outlet it would "determine if there is a legally sufficient complaint."