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.
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 Blocks DOE Attack on Inclusive Policies
A federal court blocked the U.S. Department of Education’s attempt to undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, reaffirming that schools can continue inclusive policies without fear of losing funding. This decision protects educators’ ability to reflect the diversity of their students and their communities (Department of Education Backs Down on Unlawful Directive Targeting Educational Equity).
Virginia Districts Defend Trans Student Protections
In Northern Virginia, multiple school boards refused federal pressure to rescind protections for transgender students, signaling strong local leadership in defense of LGBTQ+ youth (Northern Virginia school districts battle federal government over bathroom and trans policies (KATV)).
DOJ Probes LGBTQ+ Curriculum in Michigan
Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department has launched investigations into Michigan districts over LGBTQ-related curriculum content, escalating national scrutiny of inclusive instruction (Justice Dept. Probes 3 Michigan Districts Over LGBTQ-Related Curriculum (The 74)).
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 |
