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School committee pledges continuing support for Everett High gender-and-sexuality alliance flag-raising
Summary
The Everett School Committee voted Oct. 6 to continue official support for Everett High School's gender-and-sexuality alliance (GSA) flag-raising next June; students and staff described the event as significant for LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
The Everett School Committee voted on Oct. 6 to continue institutional support for an annual flag-raising organized by Everett High School's gender-and-sexuality alliance. The item, offered by School Committee member Almeida Barros, asked the committee to "continue to support the [flag] raising on 06/01/2026" and to thank GSA educators for organizing the event.
Mr. Salazar, who the committee invited to speak, described the GSA's work and the broader impact of the flag-raising. "The importance of this event and the recognition of the need for these types of events cannot be understated," he told the committee, adding that the previous year's ceremony drew "the largest to date number of staff who volunteered to pass out swag bags, food tickets, books, [and] help with arts and crafts." Salazar said staff, students and community members benefit from the visibility and sense of welcome such events create.
School Committee members voiced support. "This isn't about tolerance. It's about acceptance," School Committee member Biz Babcock said, adding the event "is probably one of the most important events that we have to foster acceptance." Member Almeida Barros noted the flag-raising will mark its fifth year; the committee made a point of thanking the GSA and its advisers for sustained work with students.
A motion "for the school committee to support these type of events in the future" was made by Almeida Barros and seconded by Miss Cornelia; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The committee also invited and excused Mr. Salazar after his remarks.
Committee members recounted student impacts they had heard after prior ceremonies, including a student who told staff the event helped her feel supported after losing a family home and staying with friends. Committee members said the vote was an endorsement of continued district support for events and student groups that serve historically marginalized students.
