Board adopts Pride Month resolution after heated debate; 4-1 vote

The Mount Diablo Unified School District Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month on a 4-1 vote at its May 14 meeting after lengthy public comment and trustee discussion.

Superintendent Clark presented resolution 24/25-70, which states the district recognizes June as a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ community members, raise awareness and promote healthy, safe school climates. The resolution text cites state education law and district policies, and directs distribution of the resolution to each school.

Trustee comments followed a substantial public comment period that included speakers both urging adoption and urging restraint. Teacher and union leaders urged the board to adopt the measure to show support and foster inclusivity; opponents raised concerns about perceived policy implications and cited outside court rulings.

“Everyone is welcome in our schools,” Trustee Cowen said during debate, noting the resolution cites state education code and board policy and that staff are expected to respect preferred pronouns and provide access to facilities per policy. Trustee Ochoa said the resolution ensures people are “recognized and supported.”

Trustee McDougall opposed the measure, questioning the need for another month-long observance and voicing concerns about particular medical interventions referenced by some speakers; he said he would vote no. Trustee Nzewi and others spoke in support. After discussion Trustee Kown moved adoption; Trustee Ochoa seconded. The motion passed 4-1, with Trustee McDougall in dissent.

The board’s action directs staff to distribute the resolution to every school; the district will determine flag display logistics under existing policy. The discussion highlighted a split among some trustees and diverse views in public comment, but the majority vote carried the resolution into effect.