LOS ANGELES—Today, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved the recognition of April as Earth Awareness Month and celebrates April 22 as Earth Day. The District affirms its commitment to providing educational tools and resources to students that focus on teaching environmental sustainability and upholds the Board’s commitment to transitioning to clean energy and increasing the green footprint on our campuses in communities identified as park deserts.
The resolution was authored by Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill and co-sponsored unanimously by all the Board Members and Student Board Member Jerry Yang.
“Our students are asking us to lead and today, we are answering that call,” Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill said. They understand that climate change is not a distant issue; it is shaping their lives right now. This resolution reflects their voice, their urgency, and our commitment to stand with them.”
“Our students are leading the way on environmental stewardship,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “As a District, we have a responsibility to set an example and match that leadership in preparing young people not only for college and careers, but to care for the world they will inherit.”
“LAUSD has invested heavily in greening projects and outdoor learning environments to show our students the importance of the natural world,” Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “If we want our students and staff to value these shared spaces, we have to make the necessary investments to educate our students on the importance of treasuring our planet.”
"Recognizing April as Earth Awareness Month prepares our students, who are already leading on climate and environmental justice, not only for college and a career, but to be stewards of a healthier, more sustainable future," Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas said.
“This year’s devastating wildfires and rising temperatures make clear that climate change is already impacting our students, with more frequent and intense heat waves placing schools on the front lines of this crisis,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “As we mark Earth Day and Earth Awareness Month, we must double down on our responsibility to educate, empower, and invest in a more sustainable future for our school communities.”
“This Earth Day, we are committed to expanding our greening efforts across our facilities, but most importantly, instilling environmental stewardship in the classroom to empower the next generation of changemakers,” Board Member Karla Griego said.
“Earth Day is an opportunity to help our students understand the importance of protecting our environment,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “It is also an opportunity for our school district to both celebrate our progress in adding green space to our campuses and take stock in how much more work is needed so that all students can play in green, shaded outdoor spaces.”
“Our Earth is the only home we have, and we have a responsibility to protect it,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Earth Day reminds us that too much damage has been done in the name of convenience, and we must do better. We encourage today’s students to be tomorrow’s world changers and to lead us from awareness to action!”
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