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.
Wisconsin School Board Removes LGBTQ+ Related Concert Piece
A Wisconsin school board drew national attention after voting to remove a musical piece honoring transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson from a student concert performance. Community members, students, and educators criticized the decision as censorship and raised concerns about growing efforts to restrict LGBTQ+-inclusive content in schools. The controversy highlights how school boards continue to face political pressure over student expression, arts education, and inclusion. (Wisconsin school board considers pulling piece from spring band concert due to LGBTQ+ history ties - WPR).
New Report Shows Sharp Rise in Nonfiction Book Bans
Meanwhile, a new report from PEN America found nonfiction book bans in schools more than doubled during the 2024–2025 school year. Many of the targeted books focus on LGBTQ+ people, race, identity, activism, and history, reflecting the continued expansion of coordinated censorship efforts in school districts nationwide. As challenges to books and curriculum continue, school boards remain at the center of decisions about what students can access in their schools and libraries. (Banned Nonfiction Books Double in Public Schools, Erasing Authentic Stories & Histories).
Pittsburgh School Board Expands Classroom Opt-Out Policy
School boards are also continuing to navigate debates around classroom instruction and parental rights policies. In Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board approved a policy requiring educators to notify families ahead of lessons that may conflict with religious or moral beliefs. Critics warn the policy could create pressure to self-censor classroom discussions involving LGBTQ+ topics, identity, and inclusive history. (Pittsburgh school board approves religious opt-out policy, despite teacher censorship concerns)
Federal Investigations Target Illinois School Districts
At the same time, federal investigations into school district policies continue to escalate. The U.S. Department of Justice recently opened investigations into dozens of Illinois school districts over LGBTQ+-inclusive policies related to student privacy and gender identity protections. The investigations have intensified concerns about political interference in local school governance and the future of protections for LGBTQ+ students. (Justice Department investigating ‘gender ideology’ in 3 dozen Illinois school districts)
Congress Advances Bill Targeting Transgender Students
Congress advanced legislation this month that civil rights groups warn would force schools to out transgender students to parents and restrict discussions involving LGBTQ+ topics in classrooms. Advocates argue the legislation could undermine student safety and create chilling effects for educators and school communities nationwide. (ACLU Condemns House Passage of Bill Censoring Teachers and Forcibly Outing Transgender 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 |