Following controversies, LAUSD board encourages more LGBTQ lessons in school

The LAUSD Board of Education passed a resolution on Tuesday, June 6, urging schools to incorporate more lessons on the LGBTQ community after someone burned a transgender teacher’s Pride flag at Saticoy Elementary School and parents protested against the school’s assembly at which a book reading explained same-sex parents.

The board resolution passed unanimously and called for a renewed focus on protecting and uplifting LGBTQ students, staff and parents in the Los Angeles Unified School District. It encourages schools to celebrate Pride Month in June, LGBT History Month in October and the Out for Safe Schools campaign in October, which promotes acceptance of LGBTQ community members.

“I’m proud to bring this resolution at an important time in our country, in our city and our district to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “From legislatures across the country passing anti-LGBTQ+ bills to a cruel act of vandalism in our own backyard just a few days ago, these kinds of incidents shake us out of our complacency and reiterate our commitment to inclusivity and creating safe spaces for our students and staff.”

The burned Pride flag was discovered by Saticoy Elementary School staff on May 22 and is being investigated by the LAPD as a possible vandalism hate crime. The transgender teacher who placed the flag outside of his classroom remains in good standing with the district but is no longer assigned to Saticoy Elementary due to safety concerns, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has said.

The protest at Saticoy Elementary on June 2 was organized by a predominantly Armenian parent group, whose members are opposed to the schools teaching elementary school children about LGBTQ identities.

The group objected to the planned reading of “The Great Big Book of Families,” which discusses all types of families, including those with same-sex parents. The assembly and book reading at the grade school drew a heated crowd outside including more than 100 protestors as well as LGBTQ advocates who organized a counterprotest.

A similar battle is playing out this week at the Glendale Unified School District, where conservative and Armenian parents, and pro-LGBTQ groups, are furiously debating the district’s curriculum on gender and sexuality and its policies involving LGBTQ students.

The parent outcry in both districts takes place within a national movement to place limits on how gender and sexual identity is taught, and protected, within schools.

Florida has banned teaching these topics in K-12 grades and similar legislation is in the works or has passed in at least a dozen states. There is also a legislative push in many conservative-leaning states to prevent transgender youth from accessing medical treatment that would allow them to transition to the other gender. Several states are also considering, or have passed, laws that forbid transgender students from using restrooms that match their gender identities.

The LAUSD board’s resolution states, “We are seeing a number of local and state legislative bodies weaponizing public policy to advance anti-LGBTQ+ agendas and oppress the rights and existence of the LGBTQ+ community, specifically targeting transgender and nonbinary youth in our country.”

The resolution cites the struggles faced by LGBTQ youth — including a higher risk of becoming homeless, being victims of bullying, and attempting or dying by suicide.

“I want to make it clear that in the San Fernando Valley and beyond, hate and discrimination have no place in our schools, and we must take a stand against it,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “We strive to foster an environment where every student feels safe, respected, and celebrated for who they are. This means creating safe spaces where students can express themselves without fear or judgment, as well as celebrating the diversity and unique perspectives that each of our students and families bring to our table.”