Lincoln Public Schools receives backlash over LGBTQA+ student advocacy position
By Jolie Peal 
, Reporter Nebraska Public Media News
Feb. 11, 2026, 3 p.m. ·
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Lincoln Public Schools is facing backlash on social media for a job opening focused on LGBTQA+ advocacy.
A post from Libs of TikTok, a conservative social media page, on X has more than 200 comments, mostly against the position. Some have tagged Gov. Jim Pillen and the U.S. Department of Education.
A Lincoln Public Schools spokesperson said in an email that the position has been around since 2022 and is part of the Youth Development Team, which also includes roles focused on African American, Hispanic and homeless students.
“Youth advocates provide support for students (and their families) around academics, attendance, behavior and mentorship,” a statement from the district said. “Our student advocate team exists in part because certain populations of students show an elevated risk for chronic absenteeism and behavioral and mental health needs, and these are things we can address through supports to help the students succeed academically.”
The spokesperson said students are referred to an advocate if needed, which is also communicated to families.
“The primary goal is to support students along their academic journey while supporting the district goals of building a sense of belonging, while increasing attendance and graduation rates for all,” the statement said.
Several Nebraska officials weighed in. Kirk Penner, who represents several counties in southeastern Nebraska on the State Board of Education, responded to the post saying he was “not surprised.”
Not surprised. Last year at Lincoln SE, they were letting boys use a girls locker room with the girls present. Lincoln SW had a speaker telling students where to get lube and the abortion pill. The Learning Comm. Douglas/Sarpy Co bussed kids to a Pride parade. @libsoftiktok https://t.co/UJEXTne9cx
— Kirk Penner (@KirkPenner) February 11, 2026
Attorney General Mike Hilgers called it a “disappointing spending decision.”
What a disappointing spending decision for LPS.
— Mike Hilgers (@mikehilgers) February 11, 2026
LPS has a really serious chronic absenteeism problem--which impacts kids, families, and our community in a material way--and I've heard from teachers who are concerned about the lack of resources devoted to helping solve the… https://t.co/Oe963c3o7N
One commenter on Hilgers’ post disagreed, saying it’s “money well spent.”
Higgy---It's possible to walk and chew gum at the same time. Hiring a professional to engage/protect a minority class (be it skin color/sexual preference/religion/etc) is money well spent. PS--did you notice the job is approx $20 an hour/$41K a year? Calm your roll, Higgy.
— Yankees Win (@Murphy68022) February 11, 2026