I am a middle school student at George K porter middle school under the Los Angeles Unified School District, experiencing first-hand the struggle of moving from one class to another in extreme heat. My peers, teachers, and I suffer under the harsh sun, especially during heat waves.

Los Angeles is known for its warm climate, with average highs in the summer reaching up to 84°F (NASA). However, these numbers are increasing due to global warming. According to the Los Angeles Times, the greatest temperature increase has been seen in the summer months, with some days surpassing 100°F.

Exposure to extreme heat can result in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can have serious health repercussions particularly on young bodies (CDC). Moreover, a report from Harvard suggests that high temperatures can significantly hinder a student's academic performance.

Our school district, one of the largest in the country, should prioritize student and staff health above all. Therefore, we are asking the Los Angeles Unified School District to implement a policy that allows students to stay home during times of intense heat. Furthermore, we request the district to invest in temperature control for schools to ensure a conducive learning environment regardless of the outside temperature.

Please sign this petition to support our plea for a safer and more comfortable learning environment for all students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.