The Advocate, several parents later complained online about the program, with one saying her daughter felt "duped" into attending an event where she was "proselytized over and prayed over."Brittney Byrant, a biology teacher at Woodlawn High, with a child at the same school, complained about what she claimed were gender-segregated talks for girls and boys.On Facebook she said the girls were addressed by three women, who "talked about rape [and] forgiving the offender, suicide, prayer leadership and many more dark controversial topics.
We had females in the bathrooms crying due to the topics of discussion."Byrant claimed her transgender child, who identifies as male, was initially blocked from leaving the "girls talk." She added: "Other students poured water on top of transgender students' heads without any repercussions by any of the adults present."In contrast Bryant said at the event for boys "no topics were discussed," with male students instead taking part in a push-up competition with money as prizes.Speaking to The Advocate Bryant explained why she had spoken out, stating: "I just want to bring to light what happened with the kids and the feelings they had."Alexis Budyach, a Baton Rouge Magnet High senior, also complained about the event on Facebook.She wrote: "The majority of students chose to attend this field trip on the promise of free food and the opportunity to skip class, however, the majority of students were not only disappointed by this event, but traumatized as well."Bonnie Kersch, mother of a girl who attended, said her daughter didn't realize the event would be so religious.