L.A. Unified Board of Education Unanimously Approves Resolution Celebrating Pride Month and Affirming Support for LGBTQ+ Community (06-06-2023)

CONTACT: Ally Salvaria, Communications Director
Ally.Salvaria@LAUSD.net 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2023

L.A. Unified Board of Education Unanimously Approves Resolution Celebrating Pride Month and Affirming Support for LGBTQ+ Community

Los Angeles, CA (June 6, 2023) – The L.A. Unified Board of Education voted today to approve Board Member Nick Melvoin’s resolution to celebrate Pride Month in the District’s school communities and affirm the Board’s commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for all LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff members.

“I’m proud to bring this resolution at an important time in our country’s history to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights,” said Board Member Melvoin. “At its core, Pride Month is about more than celebrating our LGBTQ+ community—it’s about affirming the supportive, welcoming, and inclusive environments we strive to create year-round in our schools.”

The resolution, cosponsored by all board members, also highlights District resources, such as the “Out for Safe Schools” campaign and “Queer All Year” calendar to ensure that students and staff have access to any resources and support services they may need.

“Every student deserves to feel safe, cherished, and understood at LAUSD—and that’s the LAUSD we welcome students into every day,” said Board President Jackie Goldberg. “With this resolution we affirm the value, safety, and worth of our District’s LGBTQ+ students, in part by committing to a strong Out for Safe Schools campaign this October. I draw from my own experience in telling our students: be exactly you are, be that person with pride and enthusiasm, don’t ever let anyone tell you that that’s not an option, and treat everyone you come across in your life with respect and dignity.”

“We are a diverse community at Los Angeles Unified, and we are deeply committed to fostering a safe and welcoming learning environment for all,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “We must continue to stand against hate and violence and move toward inclusion and unity. Everyone at Los Angeles Unified deserves to feel supported, and it's our collective responsibility to ensure all students have the resources they need to thrive academically and emotionally.”

“Our incredible diversity makes this District great,” said Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas. “That includes our LGBTQ+ teachers, students, staff, and allies celebrating PRIDE this month. We must lead with love, continue to be brave, fight for what is right and let that light shine."

“I am proud to support this resolution and stand with the LGBTQ+ community,” said Board Vice President Schmerelson. “It is crucial that Los Angeles Unified Schools become a place of acceptance for our students, staff, and the entire community. The LGBTQ+ community experiences higher rates of discrimination, violence, and homelessness—students cannot learn if they do not feel safe or accepted. At LAUSD, they will always have a place and a voice. I wish the entire LGBTQ+ community a happy and safe Pride Month. We join them in this celebration.”

“Now more than ever, when our LGBTQ community is under threat across the nation, it is vital that we create a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “Hate and discrimination have no place in our schools, and this resolution sends a powerful message that Los Angeles Unified remains committed to promoting equality and acceptance.”

“I have PRIDE,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “I have pride in our District's unwavering dedication to foster an inclusive educational environment for our LGBTQ+ students. I have pride in our staff’s commitment to curriculum and practices that honor our LGBTQ+ community and history. And I have pride in our families, friends, and neighbors who work together to promote diversity, safety, and love across all of Los Angeles Unified.”

Nick Melvoin is proud to serve the dynamic communities of District 4 as Board Member on the LA Unified Board of Education. Nick’s election to the Board in May of 2017 follows a career fighting for our city’s schoolchildren as a teacher, attorney, and community advocate. He believes that together, with the right leadership, we can ensure that every student in Los Angeles has the opportunity to succeed. Board District 4 includes the communities of Brentwood, Del Rey, Encino, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Reseda, Tarzana, Topanga, Westchester, West Hollywood, Westwood, Woodland Hills, and Venice.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Ally Salvaria at 818-726-6151 or email at Ally.Salvaria@LAUSD.net.