Contact: Grace Medrano (213) 503-0883 | [email protected]
LOS ANGELES – In a strong affirmation of inclusive education and historical truth, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution 051-25/26, Commemorating Bayard Rustin and Recognizing His Legacy as a Civil Rights and Labor Leader, establishing March 17 as Bayard Rustin Day across the District. The resolution honors the life and contributions of Bayard Rustin, a key strategist of the modern civil rights movement, labor organizer, and advocate for nonviolent democratic action.
Rustin played a pivotal role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and helped lay the groundwork for the Freedom Rides through his leadership in the Journey of Reconciliation in the 1940s. Despite his profound influence, Rustin’s contributions were often overlooked during his lifetime because he was openly gay.
“Bayard Rustin was a visionary organizer whose leadership helped shape the modern civil rights movement. His commitment to nonviolence, labor rights, and equality reminds us that progress is built through courage, coalition-building, and perseverance. Recognizing his legacy ensures that our students learn the full history of the justice movement and understand the many voices that helped move our nation forward,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
“Bayard Rustin was one of the great architects of the modern civil rights movement, a strategist whose vision and courage helped shape the fight for equality in America,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “His leadership reminds us that progress often depends on individuals who are willing to organize, build coalitions, and stand firmly for justice. Recognizing his legacy allows our students to better understand the history of the civil rights movement and the ongoing work of building a more equitable society.”
“Bayard Rustin’s name and work in the civil rights movement will not be erased from Los Angeles Unified,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “It is sad how many have sought to downplay his role purely on the basis of being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. We want to teach history in context, so the progressive work of Bayard Rustin on race, labor, and LGBTQ+ continues with us nearly 40 years after his death.”
“Our students deserve to see the full story of the leaders who shaped the struggle for civil rights and equality. Honoring Bayard Rustin reinforces the importance of teaching inclusive history in Los Angeles Unified—ensuring students understand the past and empowering them to build a more just future,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
“Although lesser known than Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights activists, Bayard Rustin was an impactful and effective leader who deserves recognition—and deserves to have his name, work, and contributions to the civil rights movement recorded in our history books. We are proud to honor Rustin’s contributions by ensuring that our students learn about his history and influence,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“Commemorating Bayard Rustin means honoring a civil rights leader who fought for racial justice and the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ people. His legacy reminds us that liberation requires fighting for the liberation of all people,” said Board Member Karla Griego.
The resolution directs the Superintendent or designee to encourage schools to commemorate Bayard Rustin Day through age-appropriate educational activities aligned with state standards and the District’s curricular frameworks. It also calls for Rustin’s contributions to civil rights, labor organizing, LGBTQ+ equality, and democratic participation to be appropriately reflected in U.S. History and Ethnic Studies curriculum.
The resolution reflects LAUSD’s commitment to providing an inclusive and historically accurate education that recognizes the diverse leaders whose work has strengthened American democracy.