School Advocacy
Advocating for inclusive schools is crucial for ensuring that all students, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, can learn in environments that are welcoming. The choices made in classrooms, by school boards, and within district offices have a significant impact on the well-being of students and the safety of the community as a whole.
This page is here to support educators, families, and community members by providing them with the tools, resources, and strategies needed to effectively push for inclusive policies and practices. You’ll find guidance for navigating local school systems, organizing for change, responding to harmful policies, and building the people power needed to create schools where all students can thrive.
Building People Power with Welcoming Schools
This Month in School Board and Education Policy:
Together, these developments underscore what we know to be true: school boards remain on the front lines of the ongoing fight for inclusive, affirming public education.
Court Ruling Shapes Policies on Trans Student Rights
A federal appeals court recently upheld a Maryland school district policy requiring educators to use transgender students’ correct pronouns. The ruling reinforces the role of school boards in setting policies that ensure students are respected and supported in their classrooms. (Policy on trans students' pronouns didn't violate teacher's rights, court says).
State Leaders Reject Effort to Restrict Gender Identity Lessons
At the same time, state-level leadership continues to matter. In Michigan, the State Board of Education rejected a proposal to eliminate gender identity instruction and expand parental notification requirements, affirming the importance of inclusive learning environments and local control in education. (Michigan Board of Education rejects resolution on ending gender identity lessons in schools).
Federal Bill Targets LGBTQ+ Books in Schools
Meanwhile, federal lawmakers are advancing legislation that would restrict the use of federal education funding for materials labeled “sexually oriented,” including content related to gender identity and LGBTQ+ topics. The bill, H.R. 7661, moved through a House committee in March and reflects a growing effort to limit inclusive books and curriculum—placing school boards at the center of decisions about what students can access and learn. Read PEN America’s statement. Read the full bill.
Resources
| Title | Summary | Link to Resource |
|---|---|---|
| School Boards Matter | The tools within this guide will help you advocate for inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ and all students at the school board level. | Read the Guide |
| Confronting Censorship in Our Schools | We know from experience that speaking up and getting involved works, so let’s all do our part. Together, we can protect the freedom to read, to learn, and to be our complete selves in our schools. | Read the Guide |
| Making the Grade: How to Find an LGBTQ+ Inclusive School District | Think of this as your study guide for choosing the right district. With the right information, you can ensure that your school truly makes the grade. | Read the Guide |
| Protecting Our School Communities: A Response to ICE Enforcement | Schools should always be places of learning, stability, and belonging. This guide offers general considerations for how school communities can support students and families. | Read the Guide |
Shop for HRC clothing and gifts. 100% of every purchase fuels the fight for equality.