Resolution 2324-43

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF PETALUMA CITY ELEMENTARY AND PETALUMA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICTS (“PETALUMA CITY SCHOOLS”), DECLARING JUNE AS LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, INTERSEX, AND ASEXUAL (LGBTQIA+) PRIDE MONTH

WHEREAS, in the United States, June is traditionally designated as Pride Month, a time to specifically highlight and celebrate the inclusion and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people in the nation and to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan; and 

WHEREAS, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, there have been over 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills proposed in the U.S. State Legislatures in 2024 so far; and

WHEREAS, those bills and laws aim to restrict for LGBTQIA+ people some of the basic freedoms and supports enjoyed by all Americans, including accurate identification, free speech and expression, healthcare, public accommodations, and curricula and schooling; and

WHEREAS, sexual orientation and gender expression-biased bullying is among the most common forms of harassment in schools, and peer harassment; and

WHEREAS, harassment and bullying contribute to significantly higher rates of school dropout, academic failure, and school disengagement; and

WHEREAS, education regarding LGBTQIA+ issues increases understanding, cultivates respect for LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families, and creates a culture of allyship; and

WHEREAS, the FAIR education Act of 2012 called for positive inclusion of the contributions of LGBTQIA+ Americans in social studies curriculum, and the Student Success and Opportunity Act of 2013 strengthened protections for transgender students and affirmed that all students should be recognized and participate in activities by their gender identity; and

WHEREAS, Petaluma City Schools celebrates the rich history, acknowledging the contributions LGBTQIA+ individuals have made and continue to make to strengthen the fabric of American society and its promise of equal rights for all; now

WHEREAS, Petaluma City Schools strives to be an inclusive school community and will continue to build and environment where every student feels safe and supported at school; and

WHEREAS, the Petaluma City Schools Board of Education recognizes that each student needs an opportunity to understand the common humanity underlying all people; to develop pride in their own identity and heritage; and to understand, respect, and accept the identity and heritage of others; now

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees recognizes and rejects the shameful history and present-day manifestations of bias against and oppression of LGBTQIA+ individuals and heartily celebrates each LGBTQIA+ student, staff member, and family member as valued members of the Petaluma community; and by recognizing Pride Month, we support other policies, practices, and curricula that honor and respect LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and their families; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Petaluma City Schools hereby issues this Resolution in honor and recognition of June, as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, along with recognizing Harvey Milk Day on May 22nd; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Petaluma City Schools hereby directs all District sites to fly the Pride Flag starting May 22nd on Harvey Milk Day through the month of June and every future year from May 22nd through June.

The foregoing resolution was introduced by Board Member Cloud who moved its adoption, seconded by Member Paun and adopted by the following vote: 

CLOUD:  Aye GEN: Aye PAUN: Aye QUINN: Aye WEBSTER: Absent

WHEREUPON, the President declared the above resolution adopted and SO ORDERED this 28th day of May, 2024.

Caitin Quinn, President, Board of Education

ATTEST:

Matthew Harris, Secretary