The Olympia School District Board of Directors declared June, 2021 Pride Month during a meeting on May 13. Pride Month shows support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) students, families and staff.
LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely as their peers to report being physically assaulted, kicked, or shoved and 34% of LGBTQ+ students report being bullied or harassed on school property. 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.
LGBTQ+ students in the Olympia School District are bright, brilliant youth engaged in self and social liberation in spite of this bullying and harassment. No one should ever be the target of bullying, harassment, or violence.
School districts can make changes to ensure schools are safer and more supportive of LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff. 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. 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.
The month of June is an opportunity to celebrate the identities and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. The first Gay Pride March was held in June 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. 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 that struggle for equal rights continues today.
The greater Olympia community has been honoring and celebrating Capital City Pride since 1991. By recognizing Pride Month, we affirm that supportive school environments substantially improve the mental health and school engagement of LGBTQ+ students. We support policies, practices, and curriculum that honor and respect LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. We reaffirm our commitment to a supportive environment that promotes trust, growth, and achievement for all students.
All District staff are encouraged 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.
Read the full proclamation.