News Release
Contact: Shannon Haber- 213-393-1289
Board of Education Passes Resolution Supporting Student Mothers
LOS ANGELES (June 8, 2021) – The Board of Education adopted a resolution today that creates more support for teenage mothers, helping help them navigate parenthood while achieving academic success.
Sponsored by Student Board Member Kamarie Brown, the “Mommy, Daddy and Me” resolution calls on Los Angeles Unified to work with teen mothers in creating a “comprehensive student maternity support system.”
The resolution seeks to prevent students from dropping out of school because of pregnancy or parenthood by creating spaces on school campuses for daycare, and a designated lactation area. It also calls on Los Angeles Unified to create a curriculum on prenatal care and child development for all students.
“I’m very proud to put forth this resolution, with the support of our Board Members, to ensure that students receive the necessary resources and support to reach their full potential, facilitate their academic success, and support their holistic growth,” Student Board Member Kamarie Brown said. “This resolution serves to create a more robust and comprehensive support system for pregnant and expecting students, and I’m so honored by the student mothers and fathers who shared their experiences with me. Their thoughts and experiences were the foundation of this resolution.”
“I’m proud to co-sponsor Ms. Brown’s resolution to support our parenting students,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “Expanding our support systems to provide more access to parenting resources, care, and accommodations benefits everyone. Parenting students can focus on graduating, pursuing their goals and better provide for their children. These are changes we can make now that create a lasting, positive impact.”
“We want to ensure that we provide appropriate resources and support to students who are parenting children so they are able to reach their full academic potential,” Board Member Dr. George McKenna said.
"Each student has a unique life, and it is important to provide differentiated paths that leads all students to graduation," Board Member Mónica García said. "I support finding and implementing solutions that help address the needs of our students."
“The Los Angeles Unified School District supports the academic success and well-being of all students,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I applaud Student Board Member, Kamarie Brown, for bringing this resolution forward. This will move us in the right direction and allow us to better support teen parents who aspire to succeed and accomplish their goals without the fear of being ostracized or falling behind on their academic progress.”
“I’m proud to support the continued advocacy efforts of our talented Student Board Member, Kamarie Brown, with today’s resolution and over the course of this year,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Teen parents need as much support as possible to ensure that both they and, eventually, their child have every opportunity available to learn, thrive, and graduate ready for college, career, and life.”
“We must recognize that most of our pregnant and parenting teens do not have, or don’t feel they have, the support they need to stay in school,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “This resolution not only provides practical ideas and resources, but also conveys our commitment to helping our students succeed in school and in life. Student moms have been invisible for too long. Thanks to Board Member Brown for truly seeing them.”
“I’m proud to co-sponsor Board Member Brown’s ‘Mommy, Daddy and Me’ resolution to ensure our campuses have equitable and compassionate resources and systems that are focused on supporting our student parents,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “I celebrate Ms. Brown’s leadership and deep commitment to elevating student voices and acting on creative solutions to meet our diverse student needs.”