LaPorte Community School Board and Administration,
We are parents, community members, students, former students, teachers, and staff of LaPorte schools. Recently, a decision was made and implemented by school administration regarding the LGBTQ pride flag, ally signs and other materials that were considered "divisive".
We disagree that these materials are divisive. These materials are meant to be inclusive in nature. However, we do agree that all students should feel safe and welcome in any and every classroom throughout the corporation. Unfortunately, this is not the case yet. We know by report after report that students appreciate and sometimes need the Safe Space signs, or indicators that teachers are allies, so they know who they can speak with when bullying is happening – whether in the school or in their homes. According to a GLSEN National School Climate Survey completed in 2021(please attached survey), 99% of Indiana students report hearing the work “gay” used in a negative manner, and 90% report hearing negative remarks at school about Transgender people. In this same survey, only 28% of LGBTQ+ students reported that their school administration was somewhat or very supportive. And only 11% were taught positive representations of LGBTQ+ people, history, or events. Many also regularly heard school staff make homophobic remarks (63%) and negative remarks about someone's gender expression (75%). This is unacceptable. Every classroom is NOT safe and discrimination free.
What we do not want to see are kids that are not able to be their true selves in any classroom, regardless of sex, creed, gender, religion, race, national origin, or any other reason. Visible representation and support is essential. We also know that banning or removing such items is a violation of the First Amendment (please see attached letter from the ACLU). Removing this support and visibility only increases the lack of safety and opportunities for bullying and harassment, not decreases. They are not political or divisive, they are freedom of expression and freedom of speech.
We would advocate not only that teachers continue to be allowed to display such support for students, but also that the schools increase the visibility of support in EVERY classroom, as well as increase their training and enforcement of anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policies so that students and teachers can stay focused on education and learning.
Sincerely,
LaPorte LGBTQ Community and it's Allies