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Orange County School Board keeps LGBTQ+ history and Pride proclamations after public comments
Summary
After more than an hour of public testimony for and against LGBTQ+ recognitions, the school board voted to adopt the 2025–26 list of proclamations as published, rejecting a bid to force a separate vote on the October LGBTQ+ History Month item.
The Orange County School Board on Aug. 12 voted to approve its list of 2025–26 proclamations and celebrations as published, rejecting a last-minute effort to separate the Oct. LGBTQ+ History Month recognition for a separate vote.
Supporters of the proclamations packed the meeting to urge the board to retain LGBTQ+ History Month and Pride Month. Melissa Graham, a former OCPS educator, said, “Any attempt to remove October's LGBTQ plus proclamation is a voice of homophobia.” Colson Fry, representing the Sea Alliance, told the board that inclusive recognition had been life‑saving: “Without the support, resources, and acknowledgment that holidays like this were able to provide me, I would most likely be dead at 16.”
The debate mattered to many speakers because they said the recognitions foster safer school climates. Fawn Goldstein, a middle‑school counselor, and other speakers cited the 2016 Pulse shooting and local history to argue that local proclamations acknowledge residents’ lived experience and make students feel safer.
Board member Elizabeth Ferrant said her concern was duplication and the potential that singling out one community for multiple recognitions might make other students feel excluded; she moved to separate the October LGBTQ+ recognition for its own vote. That motion did not receive a sustained second and did not pass. The board then moved to approve the full slate of proclamations as published; that motion was made by Member Gallo, seconded by Member Vanos, and the chair announced the motion carried.
Members who spoke during the item emphasized different priorities. Member Vanos said, “I am in support of retaining this proclamation,” noting Orlando’s local history and the protective effect recognitions can have for vulnerable students. Member Salamanca thanked speakers on both sides and reiterated that the board will continue to hear community viewpoints. Several speakers — parents, students and community organizers from local groups including Sea Alliance and school staff — urged the board to keep the proclamations in place.
General counsel later addressed a separate legal question raised during public comment about the National Day of Prayer, citing 36 U.S.C. §119 and court precedent on standing.
The board did not adopt any new restrictions on classroom instruction or curriculum during the discussion; Superintendent Dr. Vasquez said staff would continue to provide teachers with guidance on compliance with state law.
The approved set of proclamations remains on the district calendar for the 2025–26 school year as published on the agenda.
The meeting record shows extensive public comment on the item and multiple board statements; no additional formal policy actions on proclamations were taken at the Aug. 12 meeting.
