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Scott L urges Vernonia board to restore voice for LGBTQ students after OSBA caucus vote
Summary
Public commenter Scott L told the Vernonia School Board the district’s students need a stronger voice after an OSBA decision; he cited state survey results and estimated roughly 166 VSSD students may identify as non-heterosexual and urged the board to advocate for their safety.
Scott L, a public commenter, told the Vernonia School District board that recent survey data show a substantial share of local students identify as something other than heterosexual and urged the board to give those students a stronger voice after an Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) caucus vote.
"Last month this school board voted six to1 to deny the pride advisory committee the Oregon School Board association's uh request to amend the bylaws and make the pride advisory committee voting caucus," Scott L said, arguing the decision left marginalized students without representation. He cited the Oregon Department of Education and local survey results and said "according to this month's enrollment report the vssd has 555 students on November 1st 30% equates to approximately 166 students here in vssd who likely identify as other than straight."
Board members responded during the meeting that their prior vote reflected a difference of opinion about the rationale for a governance change, not a desire to deny support to students. A board member said the district has been emphasizing anti-bullying programs and adult supports for students who report harassment or threats.
Why it matters: Scott L asked the board to weigh governance choices at OSBA against district responsibility to students’ safety and inclusion. He pointed to state and county survey numbers showing higher self-reported non-heterosexual identification in Columbia County than statewide averages.
What’s next: The board did not take immediate formal action during the meeting on Scott L’s request; members and administrators said they would continue discussion in policy and committee settings and consider how student voice can be amplified in future agendas.
