Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia School District Board of Directors proclaimed June as Pride Month to declare support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) students, families and staff.
“Our students, families, and staff have the right to be treated consistently with their gender identity and sexual orientation at school,” the district’s proclamation states.
The district said that LGBTQIA+ students report higher rates of being bullied or harassed in schools, resulting in higher rates of dropout, academic failure and disengagement.
“The district is committed to a whole child and whole educator approach that involves partnerships across our schools and community in support of youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ and allies,” read Olympia School Board Director Renee Fullerton from the proclamation.
The board members and student representatives took turns in reading the passages of the proclamation at a meeting on May 28.
The board called on district staff to teach with the resources and engage in professional learning toward gender-inclusive schools during June and all year long, with lessons aligned with Washington state learning standards.
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Snevets
Thank you!
Wednesday, June 3 Report this
burkemeister
The fact that someone would keep a "list" of people who disagree should concern everyone, regardless of where they stand on this issue. A healthy community allows respectful disagreement without intimidation or labeling.
As a Christian, I believe every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity, respect, and kindness. At the same time, I do not believe it is appropriate for public schools to promote Pride Month to children. The word "pride" itself has long been understood in Christian teaching as a vice, and many Christians hold sincere convictions about sexuality and marriage that differ from modern cultural trends.
Disagreeing with Pride Month is not hatred. It is possible to love our neighbors while also believing that schools should remain focused on education rather than promoting particular moral, social, or ideological viewpoints. We should be able to discuss these issues openly without being mocked, stereotyped, or placed on someone's "list."
Thursday, June 4 Report this
burkemeister
I have no objection to treating every child with dignity, kindness, and respect. In fact, I strongly support that.
The disagreement is not about whether all children should be included. The disagreement is about whether public schools should officially promote particular social, moral, or ideological viewpoints.
Simply calling people "bigoted" or "idiots" does not address the concerns many parents have. Reasonable people can support the equal dignity of every student while still questioning whether Pride Month proclamations belong in public schools.
If inclusion means every child is valued, then surely that should include children and families whose religious beliefs differ from those being promoted as well.
Thursday, June 4 Report this