Hello CUCPTSA Leaders and Advocates,

These past several weeks our nation and our own community has had to deal with attacks on the LGBTQ community.  We have witnessed it during our school board meetings and recently a direct threat was made to the San Juan Hills High School community, one of their educators (who is a member of the LGBTQ community) and our superintendent.  National PTA released a statement in support of the LGBTQ community that I strongly felt needed to be shared with you all.  While you might not be in the area/school/community that is being directly impacted at this time it is important we join together in their support.  We as PTA leaders, parents, and advocates cannot just wait for something tragic to happen before standing up for all of our students and especially our LGBTQ students. We must stay committed to kindness and acceptance towards all and denounce violence or hatred.  

The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Anna King:

“The LGBTQ community has been subjected to hate violence and rhetoric in recent years nationally and locally, including the recent shooting in Colorado Springs and the targeted attacks in the national news media on our local educators and our local schools. Within this climate of hostility, one in six LGBTQ youth report being physically assaulted because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. And LGBTQ students are two to four times more likely to commit suicide than their non-LGBTQ peers. LGBTQ students are also more likely than their peers to be bullied, feel unsafe in school and skip school due to safety concerns. 

“National PTA stands with the LGBTQ community and denounces all hate violence and rhetoric that has been perpetuated in the national and local media. Acts of hate have a profound effect on the communities impacted, and our nation and local communities must do better.

“PTA has long believed that every child deserves to go to school excited to learn in a safe and nurturing environment, and every person deserves to go out in society without the fear of bullying, violence or discrimination. It is urgent that we understand, value and embrace the uniqueness of all individuals and appreciate that each contributes a diversity of views, experiences, preferences, cultural heritage/traditions, skills/abilities and values that enrich and strengthen our nation. And it is critical that we rise to correct the inequities and injustices that permeate the United States.

“PTA has taken a stand and pushed for policies and protections for LGBTQ youth. We have also educated and empowered parents and families to help build safe and inclusive environments for all children. Our association remains committed to advocating for and supporting policies and programs that create a climate of acceptance and inclusion and ensure LGBTQ youth have every opportunity to thrive at school, at home and in their communities.

“We can eliminate social injustices and build a better nation for our children’s future when we respect differences and unite as communities, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, culture, skin color, language or ability. This is more important than ever.” 

https://www.pta.org/home/About-National-Parent-Teacher-Association/PTA-Newsroom/news-list/news-detail-page/2022/12/05/national-pta-stands-with-lgbtq-community