Portland school district opens year with drag performer in welcome video
Portland Public Schools featured drag performer Poison Waters in its official back-to-school video, drawing criticism from education advocates who accuse the district of promoting gender ideology in classrooms.
Portland Public Schools opened its official welcome-back video for the 2026-27 school year with drag performer Poison Waters, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from education advocates who accuse the district of pushing ideological content onto students. The video, posted on the district's Facebook account, featured Waters thanking teachers, principals and staff for their dedication to students.
Waters, whose legal name is Kevin Cook, was identified onscreen as an advocate, educator and host. In the video, Waters said: «I'm here to wish you all a successful 2026, 2027 school year and to thank all the amazing principals, teachers, and staff for your dedication to your students and their learning. While we can often get caught up in the hustle and bustle, it's so important to remember that together we rise with excellence and purpose.»
The decision has provoked strong reactions from several education advocacy figures. Corey DeAngelis, a Heritage Foundation education research fellow and school choice advocate, said in a statement that the video shows the district overstepping its role. «Portland Public Schools' back-to-school video is beyond parody,» DeAngelis said. «The government school system is trying to groom young impressionable minds into gender ideology. They want to brainwash other people's kids and replace their families. The school system has overstepped their boundaries and needs to stay in its lane.»
DeAngelis argued that the video serves as an argument for school choice and homeschooling. «The video posted on the school district's official Facebook account is free advertising for school choice and homeschooling,» he said. «Families need the power to take their children's education funding to the schools that align with their values rather than subvert them.»
Sonja Shaw, a candidate for California superintendent of public instruction, described the decision as an intentional ideological choice. «That wasn't an accident. It was a choice. And it tells you exactly where the district's priorities are,» Shaw said. «Public schools exist to educate children in reading, writing, math, science and critical thinking. They are not stages for adult entertainment or ideological and cultural signaling.»
Tina Descovich, CEO and co-founder of Moms for Liberty, also condemned the video. «Portland Public Schools has been unabashed about its objectives: hijacking the classroom to push a sexualized curriculum and progressive viewpoints on impressionable children,» Descovich said. «We see exactly what this district (backed fully by teachers unions) is doing, and Moms for Liberty will keep fighting to protect our children from the left's indoctrination and get students back to learning again.»
Waters has a long history in Portland's cultural scene. A Portland State University profile described Waters as a longtime performer, advocate and educator. Waters taught a noncredit course on the history of drag performance at Portland Community College and received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Portland State in 2025.
The district video also included messages from Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Maxine Dexter, along with other Portland-area public figures. The video drew attention weeks after Portland mother Allison Roberts sued PPS and her children's elementary school, alleging officials retaliated against her for objecting to gender-identity curriculum and an intersex-inclusive Progress Pride flag. Portland Public Schools declined to comment on the pending case at the time. The district, Waters and Dexter's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the welcome-back video.
