Michael Neri: Teacher Responds To Mother That Won’t Let Him Teach Her Kids Because He Is Gay, Blames Christian Beliefs

A drama teacher from Kidderminster, England, was shocked when a parent messaged him stating she was removing her children from his class due to his sexual preference and asking that he refund her deposit.

Michael Neri, 26, was not sure how to respond to the mother after she stated his sexuality was against her Christian beliefs and that she could not allow her children to “be influenced by unconventional ideas,” according to a report by Metro.

“I have recently learned of your lifestyle and as a Christian I cannot allow my children to be influenced by unconventional ideas. It is our belief that a man should marry a woman.”

Within the message to Neri, which was sent via text message, the mother stated that she decided to allow her children to be taught by him due to his reputation for performing arts. However, when she discovered that he is gay, she felt her Christian beliefs could not allow her to keep her children in his classes. Therefore, she was announcing their withdrawal and requested her deposit back via check.

Michael’s response to the unnamed mother was shared across social media, quickly going viral on sites like Queerty that applauded him for the level of restraint he maintained while responding.

Neri responded to the mother, claiming he was disappointed at her message and stated that he takes pride in the diversity of his students. He went on to state that his sexual preference has not had an impact on his ability to teach, as it is backed by the reputation that drew the mother to him in the first place.

Rather than berate the mother for her narrow-minded opinion, Neri went on to ask whether an individual’s sexuality, specifically if they are in the medical professions, would hinder her approval to save her kids’ lives if they were ever in mortal danger. Although a drama teacher and a doctor are two completely different professions, both interact with children, which is a point Neri wanted to make clear.

Neri could not resist adding some humor to his response, comparing theaters to cooking in one portion of his lengthy reply.

“Theatre without gays is like cooking without spices.”

Adding a bit of defiance to his reply, Neri suggested a competing drama school, StageCoach, but made it clear that they are known to wear “mixed fabrics, which is forbidden according to Leviticus 19:19.

Neri let the mother know that there were no hard feelings, as he invited her to their performance of Happy Days, but he warned that confetti would be used during the production. However, he assured her that it would not be used in an “attempt to corrupt [her] Christian lifestyle.”

Neri was shocked that a mother would send him a message to withdraw her kids simply because he is gay. He did not mistreat them or misguide them — he simply has a lifestyle that is different from hers. Still, he decided to take the high road and not let the interaction get to him. Instead, he decided to use it to show that there is still hate in the world and it does not need to be met with more hatred.

In regards to the refund, Neri apologized that all deposits are nonrefundable. However, he did share that the money would benefit an organization that was near and dear to his heart.

“Unfortunately deposits are non refundable but don’t worry. Your deposit has been donated to StoneWall, an LGBT Charity”

It is unknown whether the mother responded to Neri’s reply or how upset she was at the destination of her deposit.

[Image via Yui/Shutterstock]