Dr. George J. McKenna III
Board Member, District 1
Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education
333 South Beaudry Avenue, 24th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90017
Telephone: (213) 241-6382
Fax: (213) 241-8441
www.drgeorgemckenna.com
Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Unanimously
Approves Recognition of October
As National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Los Angeles, CA - October 26, 2021 – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education voted today to approve Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna’s resolution to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The resolution, sponsored by Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III and co-sponsored by the rest of the board, directs the Superintendent to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness month annually and ensures that we are providing our students with culturally responsive tools and resources should it be necessary to seek help.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for domestic violence support and resources as families were home together for long periods of time while quarantining. Schools should be a safe place for our students to seek assistance of any kind.
“This resolution underscores the importance of creating an environment of open dialogue, trust and communication between students and staff,” said Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III. “Schools should continue to be safe places where students can learn how to create and nurture healthy and safe relationships.”
“National Domestic Violence Awareness month calls on all of us in Los Angeles Unified to ensure we raise awareness, provide the needed education and resources to prevent domestic violence, and to take quick action in support of victims, especially our students,” said Board President Kelly Gonez. “I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution.”
"Domestic violence has no place in our community," said Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly. "Los Angeles Unified is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month to raise awareness amongst our employees, students, families and community members in order to help prevent and eventually end domestic violence."
“As so many of us felt safer at home over the last year, it is imperative that we remember those for whom ‘home’ is not the safe space it should be for everyone,” said Board Vice President Nick Melvoin. “In recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this Board commits to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and educating our school communities on the prevention and eradication of domestic violence year-round.”
“Violence is a public health crisis and affects learning every day," Board Member Mónica García said. "We must commit to ending domestic violence in every home by learning to build protective factors and learning that violence is never the answer."
“It is important to remember during this month, and every day, we must not tolerate violence of any type,” said Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson. “Now more than ever, we as educators must foster safe learning environments and instill a culture of love and respect among our students and staff in our schools and in our communities. I thank Dr. McKenna for bringing this important issue forward.”
“Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness month is one way to shine light on this violation of human rights; it is one way we can let victims know they are not alone,” said Board Member Jackie Goldberg. “Too many, regardless of age, sexual orientation, or gender identity, are confronted with violent or aggressive behavior at home, which has a devastating and lasting impact. The Board recognizes that we must support Los Angeles Unified students and families in the basic human right to be free from all violence and abuse.”
“I’m proud to support the commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the district to stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors of domestic violence,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “As a school community, it is our responsibility to help spread awareness and education to help reduce and prevent violence of all forms in our communities, schools and homes to keep our scholars and families safe.”
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