As a parent, I want my child to grow up in a school where kindness, inclusion, and safety are not negotiable.

But right now, the educators and librarians who help create those environments are under attack.

Across the U.S., anti-LGBTQ+ hate is on the rise in our schools. A new GLAAD report highlights a disturbing surge in threats against teachers and librarians who support inclusive education.

One heartbreaking example: In Indiana, a lesbian teacher was threatened by a parent with a loaded gun — just for displaying a Pride flag and a photo of her wife and daughter on her desk. That parent later sent messages filled with slurs and threats. The teacher feared for her life. This is happening in our schools.

And it’s driving good people out. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 270,000 teachers are projected to leave the profession each year, many citing burnout and unsafe environments as major reasons.

We need to act now. We want our children to be supported by great educators and librarians. For that, we need to protect them!

We are calling on the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to implement federal protections for educators and librarians facing hate-based threats and harassment

Provide resources and support for LGBTQ+ educators to work safely and openly. 

Defend the right of teachers and librarians to include inclusive materials without fear of violence!

Our kids are watching. The people who guide and support them every day deserve to feel protected, not targeted.