On September 27, 2023, anti-trans activists testified at the Seattle School Board. Yes, the LGBTQIA+ backlash has hit Seattle. In fact, there have been signs of this for a while. In July a parent group called Parents Defending Education came to Seattle to question the existence of gender affirming care services at partnership health community clinics provided lawfully to students who attend Seattle Public Schools. More residents of Seattle are feeling emboldened to speak up about their discriminatory views on gender identity and LGBTQIA+ people.
Whether or not anti-LGBTQIA+ activists speak up, organize, or advocate in Seattle Public Schools, the Seattle school board needs a vision to protect and serve LGBTQIA+ students. The last time there was an open LGBTQIA+ board member, he worked with students, community, and board to pass Resolution no. 2019/20-28 in 2020. Since 2020, parts of the resolution have been implemented by the district (ie. some gender-neutral bathrooms have been added in some newer buildings, age-appropriate curricula and recommended books are shared on the district website), but there is more work to be done.
Currently there isn’t a single mention of LGBTQIA+ students or their families with the district’s entire strategic plan. Let that sink in: LGBTQIA+ students aren't mentioned anywhere in the district's 5-year strategic plan or in the new governance structure, which is called student outcomes-focused governance.
This needs to change. We need LGBTQIA+ representation on the board to shepherd this work like our last out LGBTQIA+ school board director in the passage of Resolution no. 2019/20-28.
Representation Matters.
According to a 2021 Seattle Public Schools Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 65% of trans youth reported engaging in self-harm in the past 12 months, 65% reported depressive feelings, and 20% (that’s 1 out of 5) of trans youth attempted suicide.
These numbers paint a picture of the challenges trans youth face in Seattle Public Schools.
Trans youth need more than performative equity and platitudes from school board directors.
We need a vision, inclusion in the district's strategic plan, and accountability that the district is following the policies and goals set forth by the Seattle School Board.
Representation Matters.
I will be a strong out LGBTQIA+ School Board Director if elected. Our LGBTQIA+ communities deserve equity, safety and a school district that sets the example for the nation as a progressive city with one of the highest LGBTQIA+ populations in the country.
The last time the LGBTQIA+ community had a voice on the school board, there was a powerful resolution that had the potential to actualize diversity, inclusion, and safety. That is Resolution no. 2019/20-28, but it has not been fully actualized at a district-wide level.
Let’s change that together and ensure the learning environment for LGBTQIA+ and all students are safe, equitable, inclusive, and academically excellent.
I hope to earn your vote on November 7th!
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