Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence have been rightfully in boiling water with the public after Mrs. Pence’s decision to teach at a private school that excludes homosexual and transgender students and staff members. The criticism has come and it’s time to face that taking on a role that discriminates against a large group will stir up some tense feelings.

Mrs. Pence accepted a part-time job teaching art at Immanuel Christian School in Virginia and the vice president stated the reaction to his wife’s role was “deeply offensive.”

The American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, as well as other groups, expressed their disapproval towards Mrs. Pence.

“This sends a terrible message to students. Do we want to live in a country with leaders who are willing to disavow LGBTQ youth?” the ACLU wrote in a tweet.

Vice President Pence acknowledged that he and his wife are used to criticism, but said that seeing major news organizations attacking Christian education is deeply offensive to them.

Being in the public eye must be a draining lifestyle, however, being in the White House, I think you are held to a different standard as, say, a celebrity in some cases. I believe taking a job such as this should not come as a shock and they should also try and see other points of view.

Kara Brooks, a spokeswoman for Pence, told the Washington Post that the second lady was a teacher at the school for more than a decade when her husband was a member of Congress, adding that “It’s absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school and the school’s religious beliefs are under attack.”

In an employment application, Immanuel Christian School’s requires applicants to agree that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.

There is also a parent agreement which requires guardians to acknowledge that the school is allowed to dismiss or deny admission to a student who engages in activities that conflict with a “biblical lifestyle,” including sexual immorality, homosexuality activity or bisexual activity.

Being high in the country comes with responsibilities and is also a way of showcasing your actions and beliefs. I am not shocked that people are not happy about her choice and his decision to stick up for her, and I don’t think the Pence family should be either.

Americans want to see people in the White House who will make a change for the better. Some may agree with Mrs. Pence’s decision for a religious reason or for their own personal beliefs, and I acknowledge that as well. I see their criticism as some sort of fear in the country that a higher power has a negative outlook on the LGBTQ community – a community so large and outspoken that the Pence family needs to see its viewpoint as well.

People want to feel accepted and know that they have a country willing to back them up. Although people can practice what they wish, being in charge of change and progress alongside the president will scare and upset millions with this decision.

Vice President Pence should stop boasting about how proud he is of his wife and take a step back and realize the concerns are real.