A back-to-school welcome message intended to spark “radical joy” among Portland Public School teachers, staff and students is instead drawing complaints from opposite ends of the political aisle.
The video message, which was posted to the school district’s Facebook page, features politicians and other notable figures from around Oregon, from U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley to Portland Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis, wishing students and staff the very best.
It begins with an address from legendary Portland drag queen, activist and educator Poison Waters, who received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Portland State University in 2025.
