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Parents, students and advocates urge board to protect LGBTQ students and oppose federal anti‑DEI ultimatum
Summary
Multiple speakers during public comment urged the board to support LGBTQ students, oppose federal pressure to renounce DEI practices, and preserve access to diverse materials. A student asked for in‑school support groups without parental permission requirements for day‑time meetings.
During the public comment period, seven speakers addressed issues including access to books, protections for LGBTQ and gender‑diverse students, and federal guidance on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Yvonne Hicks told the board she had researched “pornographic books in the school libraries” and expressed concern about gender ideology and related policies; she urged the board to “take heed.”
A middle‑school student, Olivia Harjes, identified as gender‑queer and said dual‑gender‑queer students at her school lacked a safe on‑campus space because of parent‑permission rules. “I just want to make a safe space,” Olivia said, asking the board to “make decisions that make being a gender queer person like myself feel more supported.”
Jerry Nugent read an open letter from a superintendent criticizing a U.S. Department of Education April 3 memorandum that asked districts to certify they were not using unlawful DEI practices; Nugent quoted the letter’s argument that targeted supports for historically marginalized students are equity measures, not discrimination.
Reverend Sarah Wilcox and Craig White of the Campaign for Southern Equality urged protection for queer students and broader civic engagement, with Wilcox framing Pride Month as about “living authentically” and White urging board members to listen to gender‑diverse young people and work toward community healing.
Speakers made differing appeals: some urged stronger parental authority and reference to religious values, while others pressed for supports and safety for LGBTQ and gender‑diverse students. Board members did not engage in a substantive policy response during public comment but took note of the concerns raised.
