A daycare center in Lanham, Prince George’s County, Maryland, has issued an apology to same-sex parents after a bizarre voicemail left by its director, Kimesha Munford, urged the couple to split up, claiming that God “wants” it. Kelley and Ky Gibbs received the voicemail at 3:30am, in which Munford claimed to be a prophet who speaks to God through dreams and visions. Munford’s message, in which she also spoke in tongues, was described by Ky Gibbs as “dark and disturbing” and “completely out of the dark,” given that the daycare is not religious and the couple had no prior religious interactions with Munford.
Rising Generations Early Learning Center, where the couple’s child attends, was compelled to send a letter home to parents apologizing for the incident after it was broadcast by FOX 5. The center also issued a statement to Fox5, saying that they provide quality childcare in a safe, friendly, loving, and inclusive environment for hundreds of families in the community regardless of race, class, or sexual orientation. The statement continued, “With the safety and welfare of children in our care at the heart of what we do, any negative statements made about the LGBTQIA+ community do not reflect the thoughts or beliefs of our learning center.”
The incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ families, who often face discrimination and marginalization in various aspects of life. The daycare center’s apology and statement reinforce the importance of creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and respect all families. While the reprimand of the alleged employee is a step towards addressing the incident, it is crucial to continue working towards creating safe and inclusive spaces for all families, including LGBTQIA+ families. Such efforts will ensure that all families can access the care and support they need without fear of discrimination or bias.