Portland Public Schools features drag performer in staff welcome video

Portland Public Schools (PPS) released an official welcome-back video for staff for the 2026-27 school year featuring drag performer Poison Waters, also known as Kevin Cook. Waters, identified in the video as an advocate and educator, thanked teachers and principals for their dedication to students.

The video has drawn criticism from Corey DeAngelis, an education research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. DeAngelis accused the school district of promoting gender ideology and argued that the video serves as an argument for school choice and homeschooling, stating that the district has overstepped its boundaries regarding parental values.