Pittsfield School Committee unanimously adopts LGBTQ+ safe-schools resolution

Pittsfield — The Pittsfield School Committee on Feb. 26 voted unanimously to adopt a resolution declaring Pittsfield Public Schools a safe space for transgender and LGBTQ+ students and reaffirming existing protections under district policy and state law.

The resolution, read aloud at the meeting and presented as “Pittsfield Public Schools LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Resolution,” states that the district reaffirms protections for gender-diverse and transgender students under school policy STU 84 and under Massachusetts General Law chapter 76, section 5, and that the district prohibits discrimination, bullying and harassment on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The vote followed more than an hour of public comment in which community members, educators and parents urged the committee to pass the measure. Nicholas Colicchio, a Taconic High School teacher, commended the committee and said the policy allows students “to express themselves and live authentically.” Jesse Fried, a Pittsfield parent who works with transgender children, said children “are scared” by national developments and urged the district to reassure students and staff that the schools will protect them.

Committee members spoke in favor of the resolution during the meeting. School Committee Chair William Garrity said he was honored to bring the item forward and credited Superintendent Heather Cameron and staff for input during drafting. Dr. Heather Cameron noted the district’s prior work, citing Kelly Shufak and the policy adopted in 2016 as groundwork the resolution reaffirms.

The committee voted by voice; the record shows no opposition. Chair Garrity called for those in favor to say “aye,” and the motion carried.

District officials said the resolution reiterates and clarifies protections already contained in policy STU 84 and referenced state law. The text the committee adopted explicitly names transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ students and states the district’s intent to create a welcoming environment for students, staff, families and caregivers.

Public speakers urged the committee not to let federal rhetoric deter local protections. In response, committee members emphasized the district’s obligation to students and the limits of local authority over federal policy.

The committee took no additional binding action in this vote beyond adopting the resolution; no changes to personnel or funding were announced on the floor in connection with the vote.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after the resolution passed.