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Parents and students urge board to address bullying and protect LGBTQ+ students
Summary
Two public commenters urged the board to treat bullying seriously and defended state law that bars school officials from forcibly outing students. One parent recounted repeated bullying of her sixth-grade son; another cited studies on family rejection and suicide risk to argue that forced outing is harmful.
During the public-comment period Elaine Ward recounted repeated bullying of her sixth-grade son this year, said the school intervened after the first incident and asked the district to treat all bullying behavior seriously regardless of the perceived intent of the students involved. The board directed staff follow-up; Mr. Caldera was identified as the staff contact who will reach out.
Later, Sarah Gonzavage (who provided pronouns) criticized earlier public commenters who she said advocated for forcibly outing LGBTQ students. She cited statistics she said show substantial family rejection and elevated suicide risk for LGBTQ and transgender youth and argued that laws prohibiting forced outing by school staff are important for student safety.
Both speakers framed their comments as appeals for consistent protective action by schools: Ward focused on staff response to bullying incidents and the need for equivalent treatment of different groups of students who bully; Gonzavage urged respect for existing legal protections and caution against rhetoric that places LGBTQ students at greater risk.
Board members thanked the speakers and indicated staff follow-up would occur where appropriate.
