In San Francisco’s November 2018 election, not only were three progressive candidates elected to the Board of Education, the election of Board of Education member Matt Haney to the District 6 Supervisor’s seat means that the vacant position will be filled this January by Mayor London Breed.

London Breed will be appointing a Commissioner to that open seat on the Board of Education.  This petition urges Mayor Breed to appoint trans youth advocate MIA SATYA to this seat.

Mia began her adult life as a homeless trans teenager on the streets of San Francisco, and has worked tirelessly for the rights of youth for the last decade. She has worked to help establish the Free MUNI used by 40,000 low income youth, reinstate the Public Enrichment Education Fund that brings over $100 million annually to after school programs, arts programs, mental health care, pre-k, and more, created landmark LGBTQ sensitivity training for city employees, and worked with the District Attorney’s Office of San Francisco to address bullying with the urgency it deserves.

Mia’s platform includes the implementation of Wellness Centers in every SFUSD school, the protection of students who engage in political demonstrations, the protection of UESF and educators’ salaries, and the creation of gender neutral restrooms in all schools. Just as importantly, she brings her direct experience as a youth advocate who has personally experienced the disparities she seeks to address.

With an administration hostile to the very personhood of transfolk in America, and a rate of attempted suicide among trans youth that nears 50%, we feel Mia Satya is the person poised to protect and expand the rights of these students in a way that will both protect our students and set precedents that will make a difference nationwide. And with a history of working for students and teachers alike we feel she is the ideal fourth new member to join the new crop of electees in creating a new era to be proud of in education!

In an op-ed published in the Advocate, Mia Satya wrote to transgender youth:

"While I don’t know you, I do believe in you. You have power, whether you feel it or not. Being trans is an asset that has made me a more compassionate and powerful leader. It’s OK to be scared, but never, ever give up. The world needs to hear your voice."

By signing this petition, you show your support in urging Mayor Breed to appoint Mia to the San Francisco Board of Education to bring her expertise, experience, and energy to the Board of Education to make history as its first trans member!

 

You can read about her here https://www.miasatya.com/ or watch her in action at Mia Satya/Huffington Post

See also the Bay Area Reporter’s endorsement for Mia’s appointment here:

Mia Satya/Bay Area Reporter

 

ANYONE CAN  SIGN THIS PETITION!

IF YOU BELIEVE IN TRANS RIGHTS AND PROGRESSIVE CANDIDATES, YOU CAN SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY SIGNING.