PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - April 8, 2025
Contact:
Grace Medrano, (213) 503-0883, grecia.medrano@lausd.net
Los Angeles Unified Passes Resolution to Establish April 30 as Denim Day
New resolution designates April 30 as Denim Day to raise awareness about sexual violence.
Los Angeles, CA – In a decision to raise awareness about sexual violence and the importance of safe learning environments, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution 065-24/25, Denim Day 2025 Raising Our Voices Against Sexual Violence. The District reaffirmed its commitment to equity by updating educational materials on consent and healthy relationships and to partner with community organizations in providing workshops and resources for students and staff.
Originating in 1999 through the advocacy of Peace Over Violence, Denim Day challenges harmful myths about sexual assault and encourages all community members to wear denim as a visible stand against victim-blaming.
“This is about believing survivors, breaking the silence, and building a culture of respect and consent,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Denim Day is a powerful moment for education and action in every school community.”
“Violence in any form is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “We all share the responsibility of cultivating a culture rooted in safety, respect, and advocacy—especially for our children. I encourage all students and staff to wear jeans on Denim Day as a visible act of solidarity and support for survivors of sexual assault.”
“I will be proud to wear denim on April 30th, affirming my commitment to bring an end to sexual violence. I stand firmly in solidarity with survivors and call on all to foster the critical conversations about consent and healthy relationships. We cannot wait”, said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson.
“On April 30th, I will wear denim as a visible representation of my support of survivors of sexual violence and for ensuring a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
“Wearing denim is a powerful show of solidarity with survivors and a reminder that consent, respect, and safety must be central to the members of our school communities. By recognizing Denim Day, we’re building awareness, breaking down harmful myths, and reaffirming our commitment to ending sexual violence,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“I support this resolution because it is simply not enough to stand with all survivors of sexual violence,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “As a District we must ensure that our schools and administrative offices are safe spaces for all, while also providing survivors with the resources they need to heal.”
“This Denim Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about healthy relationships and consent. We must all take a stand to prevent sexual violence and to protect and believe survivors,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez.
“Denim Day is a powerful way for our school communities to raise awareness and stand against sexual violence,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “No one should ever feel the fear of violence in our schools or communities. By wearing denim, we visibly show our commitment to supporting survivors and fostering a culture of safety, respect, and advocacy for all.”
By recognizing Denim Day, Los Angeles Unified reaffirms its commitment to creating safe, inclusive learning environments and advancing equity through education, aligning with the 2022–26 Strategic Plan’s focus on student well-being, safety, and empowerment.
###
