Students in Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)/Sexuality & Gender Alliance (SAGA) clubs in Howard County Public Schools have created a list of goals towards creating a safe and affirming school environment. We are requesting that HCPSS complete the implementation on some of these goals and initiate actions on others by the end of 2020-2021 school year. 

It is important to recognize that LGBTQIA+ students and staff members are a part of a marginalized group in our country and often face discrimination. The goals listed below represent the foundation of a safe and affirming school environment. Everyone in our community benefits when we seek to represent all of our members with respect. By implementing the changes listed below, we feel confident that students and staff will be empowered to live their lives fully. Inclusive communities create healthy individuals and that should always be the primary goal of educational institutions.

We invite all current and former HCPSS students, staff, parents/guardians, community members, and other allies to sign the petition. 

By signing this petition, you agree that having a more LGBTQIA+ inclusive curriculum and safe and affirming environment is critical to a student’s overall success in public education.

Short- and long-term goals towards creating a safe and affirming school environment with suggested time for implementation after each goal:

https://www.cary-hoco.org/our-goals

References:

1. Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) http://marylandpublicschools.org/stateboard/Documents/06252019/TabH-13A.04.05EducationMulticultural.pdf
2. HCPSS Educational Equity Policy https://policy.hcpss.org/1000/1080/
3. GLSEN School Climate Survey https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/NSCS19-111820.pdf
4. Facts about suicide among LGBTQIA+ youth https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/preventing-suicide/facts-about-suicide/