Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Climate topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters urge board to permit small Pride stickers as safe-space signals
Summary
Several public commenters urged the board to reverse or reconsider actions that led to removal of Pride/LGBTQ+ supportive stickers from classrooms, saying the symbols create safe spaces and help vulnerable students; callers also asked for FERPA training and privacy safeguards.
During the public‑comment period multiple speakers urged the board to allow teachers to display small Pride or supportive stickers in classrooms. Mary Foster, who identified herself as an elementary teacher and volunteer with Families Against the Book Bans, said such symbols help students feel "seen, safe, and welcomed" and asked the board to reconsider any decision to remove them.
Former school board member and longtime teacher Thomas Velasco described counseling work with students and said removing supportive symbols can worsen isolation. Social worker Myra Velasco told the board she would not remove a small rainbow heart from her door and urged the board to "do no harm," citing the higher risk of anxiety and suicidal ideation among some students. A separate public commenter raised concerns about alleged disclosures of a student’s private information and requested FERPA training for district staff.
