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On September 7th, the Miami-Dade County School Board will vote on whether to recognize LGBTQ+ History Month in October. Now, LGBT organizations, activists, students, parents, and teachers are calling on the school board to remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting every student in the district.
The recognition of LGBTQ History Month promotes education about the historical impacts, achievements, and contributions of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.
Maxx Fenning, a youth activist and the founder and President of PRISM, said,
"LGBT people have existed since the dawn of history itself. LGBTQ+ history is American history because LGBTQ+ Americans are Americans."
While MDCPS voted 7-1 to recognize LGBTQ+ History Month in 2021, a surge of anti-LGBT rhetoric puts the pending resolution at risk. This year’s resolution also directs the Superintendent to look into the feasibility of providing optional resources for teachers to discuss landmark Supreme Court cases Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) and Bostock v. Clayton County in 12th grade US Government classes.
"Miami-Dade County has always been a front runner in human rights. We are watching and waiting with bated breath at what the extremists will do and say to roll back the traditions of freedom, justice, liberty, and equal rights," said Orlando Gonzalez, Executive Director of SAVE. Scott Galvin, Executive Director of Safe Schools South Florida and North Miami City Council member, echoed this, stating, "Those who think they can turn back time are always wrong."
Since PRISM launched an online petition to support the resolution, they have received over 600 signatures from parents, students, and teachers in the district. They’ve also launched a letter-writing campaign to members of the school board.