The below is from a message on Facebook. Here’s both the gist of it as well as why this is important.
There will be a meeting on Monday evening, where the Pittsburgh School Board will take public comment about a nondiscrimination policy that will help protect trans and gender nonconforming students. The policy will be the most progressive policy for this region. There is likely to be push back. It is important that those who favor nondiscrimination protections turn out and be heard, as the school board will take public comment very seriously.
There is a specific procedure to get onto the list of speakers. Additionally, there is a way to submit comments via email.
Trans and gender nonconforming youth are at a tremendous risk for bullying, abuse and suicide. Creating safe spaces and making school a safe place is essential.
More about the organization spearheading this effort, Thrive.
PUBLIC HEARING for Pgh Public school on nondiscrimination policy that would protect transgender and gender expansive students.
THIS MONDAY – May 23-6pm-11pm in Conference Room A of the Administration Building, 341 S. Bellefield Avenue in Oakland.
See Below for more info
*if you are tagged in this post I thought youd be interested in being there OR would know people who would*
Dear Friends of THRIVE,
As you may know from our previous emails or from the local news, Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) is considering a nondiscrimination policy that would protect transgender and gender expansive students. This is an extremely important policy that would be one of the most progressive in the nation and help build safe and inclusive environments for all students.
On Monday, May 23rd, PPS will have an public hearing for citizens’ comments. This is your opportunity to show and voice your support for the trans students of Pittsburgh Public Schools. This is one of the last opportunities before the Board votes on the policy to have an opportunity to speak directly to the Board. By speaking at the meeting, we can show just how much support there is for policy within our community. The meeting will be held on Monday from 6pm-11pm in Conference Room A of the Administration Building, 341 S. Bellefield Avenue in Oakland.
Guidelines for speaking can be found here (http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/Page/4043). You have until 12pm on Monday, May 23rd to register to speak at the meeting.
A copy of the policy can be found here (http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/Page/349).
We understand that you might not be able to make the meeting but still want to voice your support of policy. You can send an email to boardoffice@pghboe.net stating your support for the policy and why you believe it should be passed. Even a short, quick email is helpful and anyone (district resident or not) can share their support through email.
It is important that we show solidarity with the students of PPS as they work towards more inclusive and safe educational environments. Please consider joining us for the meeting on Monday.
Sincerely,
THRIVE Leadership Assembly