RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE PETALUMA CITY (ELEMENTARY) AND PETALUMA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THE COUNTY OF SONOMA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, FOR 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 June 2023, in particular, marks the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which highlighted and served as a catalyst for the struggle for LGBTQIA+
rights; yet

WHEREAS, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, there have been over 470 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills proposed in US state legislatures in 2023 so far, with some already adopted into law[1]; 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, according to leading research by Boston University[2], these proposals cause real harm to LGBTQIA+ students and their families, even if they are ultimately defeated, and those measured harms include increased anxiety, clinical depression, and self-harm; 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, LGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to experience a mental health condition and are at a greater risk of suicide, and deserve our vocal affirmation and support, as well as special attention to the unique challenges they may face at school and in their communities; and

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

WHEREAS, supportive policies that specifically mention sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are associated with: students feeling safer; lower levels of bullying; decreased incidents of harassment related to sexual orientation; increased teacher/staff interventions; and a greater reporting of incidents in a safe, accessible,
and accountable process under California Ed Code; and

WHEREAS, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation; 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 models, advocates, and promotes the inclusive and respectful treatment of all members of the community it serves, and is committed to safety for all, including the LGBTQIA+ community; and

WHEREAS, Petaluma City Schools strives to be an inclusive school community and will continue to build an environment where every student grows up knowing their school community supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are;

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 Webster, who moved its adoption,
seconded by Member Quinn, and adopted on roll call by the following vote:

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