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.
School Districts Face Federal Action Over Student Privacy Policies
The federal government has begun enforcement actions, including threatening funding cuts, against Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland and Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan over district policies related to the privacy and protection of transgender students. The cases center on when and if schools should notify parents about a student's gender identity and reflect the increasing federal scrutiny of inclusive local policies impacting LGBTQ+ students. (US threatens funding cuts for two school districts over transgender policies).
Texas District Removes 142 LGBTQ+-Themed Books
New reporting revealed that Katy Independent School District in Texas removed 142 LGBTQ+-themed books from school libraries under recently enacted state laws. These removals highlight how state legislation and local school board decisions can directly shape students' access to books and other materials that reflect LGBTQ+ stories. (Katy ISD removed 142 LGBTQ+ books in January).
Supreme Court Ruling Impacts School Sports Policies
In July, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld laws restricting transgender girls from participating on girls' school sports teams in Idaho and West Virginia. While the ruling applies to those laws, it’s likely to impact additional litigation, state policymaking, and athletic policies across the country. (What the SCOTUS transgender sports decision means for schools, students).
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 |
| Navigating Pushback From Stakeholders | As a school leader, you may encounter resistance whether you’re speaking at a school board meeting, hosting a family night, or talking with a colleague. It’s important to remember: you don’t have to be an expert to be effective in fostering positive change. You just need to stay calm, grounded in the foundations of Welcoming Schools, and focused on what truly matters—the well-being of every student. | Read the Guide |
| Mahmoud v. Taylor School Stakeholder Explainer | Here is what staff and leadership need to know to be prepared for any complications resulting from the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling. | Read the Guide |
| Transgender Youth Losing Access to Healthcare: What Educators Need to Know | The Supreme Court’s ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti is a significant roadblock and setback for children in the United States. For school staff, here’s what’s important to understand. | Read the Guide |
| Organizing GSAs in Challenging School Climates | Building community allows LGBTQ+ students and allies to thrive, here are some ideas for organizing while staying informed and assessing the risks. | Read the Guide |
| Community Care is Self-Care | Tapping into community care is a great way to take care of yourself. In this guide, we’ll share ways to find and build that community support. | Read the Guide |
| Thriving in College: Navigating LGBTQ+ Resources and Support | This guide highlights ways LGBTQ+ students can navigate campus life and thrive. | Read the Guide |