OSD Board Proclaims June 2020 'Pride Month'

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OSD Board Proclaims June 2020 'Pride Month'
OSD School Board

Olympia School District Board of Directors of Olympia School District No. 111, Thurston County, Olympia, Washington, to declare support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) students, families and staff.

 

WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely as their peers to report being physically assaulted, kicked, or shoved; and

 

WHEREAS, 34% of LGBTQ+ students report being bullied or harassed on school property; and

 

WHEREAS, the significantly higher rates of school dropout, academic failure, and school disengagement among LGBTQ+ youth across the country are often attributed to peer harassment and bullying; and

 

WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ students in the Olympia School District are bright, brilliant youth engaged in self and social liberation in spite of this bullying and harassment; and

 

WHEREAS, no one should ever be the target of bullying, harassment, or violence; and

 

WHEREAS, school districts can make changes to ensure schools are safer and more supportive of LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff; and

 

WHEREAS, the District is committed to maintaining safe, healthy and welcoming learning environments for all members of our community including the LGBTQ+ community or those who may be perceived as such; and

 

WHEREAS, the District partners with Pizza Klatch to provide support groups at all of its high schools for LGBTQ+ youth and allies to discuss issues such as gender identity and expression, healthy relationships, bullying, and other topics under the guidance of trained facilitators; and

 

WHEREAS, the month of June is an opportunity to celebrate the identities and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community; and WHEREAS, the first Gay Pride March was held in June 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots; and Whereas, the celebration of Pride Month is rooted in that history of resistance and struggle for equal rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution; and

 

WHEREAS, that struggle for equal rights continues today; and

 

WHEREAS, the greater Olympia community has been honoring and celebrating Capital City Pride since 1991; and

 

WHEREAS, by recognizing Pride Month we affirm that supportive school environments substantially improve the mental health and school engagement of LGBTQ+ students; and

 

WHEREAS, by recognizing Pride Month, we support policies, practices, and curriculum that honor and respect LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families; and

 

WHEREAS, by recognizing Pride Month we reaffirm our commitment to a supportive environment that promotes trust, growth, and achievement for all students;

 

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Olympia School Board proclaims the month of June 2020 as “Pride Month” encouraging the Superintendent and all District staff to support lessons and activities that engage students in meaningful learning about the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community and the experiences of our LGBTQ+ students, staff and families.

 

Signed on the 11th day of May, 2020.

Patrick Murphy - Olympia School District Superintendent

Hilary Seidel - Olympia School District Board President