Transgender/LGBT+ students often face unique challenges within education systems, including the lack of recognition for their self-identified gender and discrimination by students and staff alike. In the Ventura Education System, this represents a significant stumbling block in creating a non-discriminatory and inclusive environment. Disregarding a person's gender identity can result in significant psychological stress and harm. According to the American Psychological Association, "affirming gender identity is critical to the physical and mental health of transgender adults and kids alike."

By implementing recognition of trans/LGBT+ students' identifiers, we can start establishing a more accepting and empathetic educational atmosphere. This action means changes such as creating systems for students to easily change their names and gender markers on records, staff training on using correct pronouns, and ensuring that gendered activities do not exclude any students.

We need your support to ensure that our education system respects every student's identities within its jurisdiction. We ask Ventura Education System to prioritize this issue and ensure that our schools are places where every student feels seen and respected. Please, sign this petition and support trans/LGBT+ students' rights.