Mobilize at Miami-Dade County School Board!

The August 16th school board meeting has several items of interest:

Item H-8 is an endorsement of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-October 15). PRISM is mobilizing IN FAVOR of this item as recognition of the rich history and contributions of Hispanic Americans is incredibly important.

Item H-6 is an item that would require all Miami-Dade schools to provide menstrual products free of charge, and establishing groundwork to make sure supplies are fully stocked and easily accessible to students. PRISM is IN FAVOR. Period poverty (lack of access to needed menstrual products) is a very real issue across Florida. Equitable access would uplift students' physical and mental health, improving their education and lives.

Item G-5 is in its final reading, and is a direct result of HB 1069, the 2023 expansion of "Don't Say LGBTQ". It would update employee Standards of Ethical Conduct to reflect that the ban on teaching gender and sexuality has been expanded up to 8th grade. PRISM is AGAINST this, and this is not the first time we've mobilized against this item. This rule, just like the law it stems from, is prejudiced and harmful toward LGBTQ students and teachers in Florida schools.

Item G-8 is the final reading of an item we've already mobilized AGAINST. It gived parents a means to object any material from school materials that they deem "inappropriate", and have it removed until a public hearing by the School Board can be held. This enables bigoted parents to censor any expression of queerness in libraries and media centers.

Finally, item H-13 opens up discussion for providing a virtual option in MDCPS meetings. PRISM is IN FAVOR of this item as it would improve accessibility and make it easier for members of the public, who may have limited transportation, to participate.

Those who can attend the meeting in person should submit a request to speak via email to request4appearance@dadeschools.net no later than 4:30 PM on Monday, August 14th. Additionally, you can sign up to speak on the day of the meeting at the front desk.

Attendees MUST bring valid photo ID for entry!