News Release
CONTACT: Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289
Celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day
LOS ANGELES (March 9, 2021) – The Board of Education today unanimously approved a resolution saluting the contributions made by women today and throughout history in the United States and around the world. Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III sponsored the resolution, which was co-sponsored by the rest of the Board.
“We salute the women left out of today’s headlines and yesterday’s history,” Board Member Dr. McKenna said. “We celebrate their victories past, present and future. We thank those who pioneered, made a difference, took the lead and won the battle, often while earning less than a man.”
“Women’s history not only teaches our students to think critically about sexism in our society, it also empowers them to challenge the patriarchy on a cultural and institutional level,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Further, it helps us shine a light on intersectionality and the ways in which women of color are disproportionately impacted by both sexism and racism. All our students benefit from an education that recognizes, celebrates, and uplifts the stories of women.”
“There are thousands of female students within our schools that will rise to change the world,” Board Member Mónica García said. “As we celebrate women, past and present, today and all month long, we must continue to find ways to lift the current and future talent of all women within Los Angeles Unified and beyond!”
“During Women's History Month, we focus on the countless contributions and achievements that women have made throughout history,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “From civil rights breakthroughs to scientific innovation, we honor those who have broken the glass ceilings in almost every public and private sector and made it possible for women from all walks of life to strive, excel and be regarded as equals regardless of their background. There is still much more to be done to eliminate gender bias and as an Los Angeles Unified Board Member, I pledge to create a gender-neutral culture that encourages and supports gender equality in order to achieve a better tomorrow for all.”
“I’m grateful every day for the chance to work alongside talented women leaders within LA Unified, on our majority-female Board, and with my all-female team,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We have a long way to go to reach gender equity and parity across all sectors—and I’m proud that our District will keep working to be part of the solution.”
“While progress has been made, for every dollar a white man makes, a white woman earns 82 cents; an Asian woman earns 87 cents; an African-American woman earns 65 cents and a Latinx woman earns 58 cents,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “We have a long way to go until there is parity.”
“Celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day is a way for us to recognize progress toward gender equality and challenge the gender inequities and biases that continue to plague our society,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “May we continue to celebrate and uplift all the powerful women in our lives each and every day.”