Karen Pence's anti-LGBTQ school to get 100 copies of John Oliver's book about gay bunny

Second lady Karen Pence landed a new gig recently: teaching art at Immanuel Christian School, a private school in Virginia.

She previously taught at the K-8 school several years ago, when her husband Mike Pence was a congressman. But her return has prompted an outcry from LGBTQ advocates who say her involvement with a school that bars LGBTQ students, parents, and teachers sends the wrong message to vulnerable youth across the country.

That's why the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth, sent 100 copies of A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo to Immanuel Christian. Published last year by "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," the children's book parodies Vice President Mike Pence's own book about his family's pet bunny — and his views on homosexuality — while preaching acceptance for the bunny Marlon Bundo and his male bunny partner. (Sales of Marlon Bundo benefit the Trevor Project.)

The literary trolling, however, comes with what the Trevor Project calls a "heartfelt note" urging the school to change its student and employee policies.

"We know that just one supportive person can decrease an LGBTQ youth’s risk of suicide by 30 percent; and while we aim to be that person for many young people across the country, Immanuel Christian School can join us in preventing suicide and depression," reads the letter.

The school's parental agreement notes that it can refuse admission or discontinue enrollment if a student or parent's behavior supports or condones "homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity." Its employment agreement defines "moral misconduct" as including "homosexual or lesbian sexual activity ... transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female..." The Trevor Project recommends the school include copies of the book in its classrooms and libraries, noting that "they can be a great first step to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students."

In an email to the New York Times, Karen Pence's communications director commented on the controversy: "It’s absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school, and the school’s religious beliefs, are under attack."

Luke Hartman, an out gay man who graduated from Immanuel Christian School in 2008 and supports the Trevor Project's work, told Mashable that the second lady is a "lovely woman" who's both kind and a "great teacher."

He does hope, though, that the backlash creates an opportunity for the school to reconsider and change its policies.

"The spotlight is ever-present on them," Hartman said of the Pences, "so it also shines a light on policies that are extremely damaging."