This month I put forth to the Board a resolution that June 2019 be recognized as Pride Month by the Grandview Heights City Schools. I felt it was important that the Board stands with support for all students and staff who walk through our doors to learn and work in our classrooms. In addition, I felt that it was important that we publicly declare the importance of our established policy that Grandview Schools support all students and staff regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, etc.
Ultimately, the resolution did not pass, and that is disappointing. But I am still pleased by and proud of the debate that was had. A student representative from the Grandview Heights High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance spoke in front of the board. She shared statistics on how supporting LGBTQ+ students lowers the rates of harassment and bullying. It was just one more example of the inspiring work that the group has done and I thank them for their time.
Sometimes you learn more from your losses than you do your victories. Despite this outcome, please know that I plan to continue supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring our schools are safe and welcoming spaces.
The text of my resolution is below.
A RESOLUTION to declare support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) students, families and staff.
Whereas, the Grandview Heights School District strives to model and promote inclusive and respectful treatment of all; and
Whereas, the District is committed to maintaining safe, healthy and welcoming learning environments for all members of our community including the LGBTQ+ community or those who ; and
Whereas, by recognizing Pride Month we affirm that supportive school environments substantially improve the mental health and school engagement of LGBTQ+ students; and
Whereas, no one should ever be the target of bullying, harassment, or violence; and
Whereas, The Grandview Heights City council passed a Resolution to support the Ohio Fairness Act and the effort to change Ohio's anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as protected classes and to honor and commemorate LGBT Pride Month in June, 2018; and
Whereas, the Grandview Heights Public Library actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the community and has adopted policies that protect employees from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family status, veteran status, or disability; and
Whereas, on June 26, 2015, same-sex marriage in the U.S. state of Ohio is legal under the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, a landmark decision in which the court struck down Ohio's statutory and constitutional bans on the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples affirmed the rights of all citizens to marry whom they choose; and
Whereas, the first Gay Pride March was held in June 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots; and
Whereas, the celebration of Pride Month is rooted in that history of resistance and struggle for equal rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution; and
Whereas, by recognizing Pride Month, we support policies, practices, and curriculum that honor and respect LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families; and
Whereas, We support the promotion and creation of safe, inclusive learning environments for all in efforts of the district to maximize and personalize learning for all students by affirming our commitment to a supportive environment that promotes trust, growth, and achievement for all students: and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Grandview Heights School Board declares June 2019 as Pride Month and encourages the Superintendent and all District staff to stand with our community while supporting and ensuring our schools are safe and supportive of LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff.