San Francisco Unified School District could soon be the first in the nation to solicit guidance from an LGBTQ-centered parent advisory council–if a motion is adopted by the Board on December 13th.
The idea for the Queer Transgender Parent Advisory Council (or QTPAC), in the works for years, is now on the brink of fruition, thanks to the of work of Rick Oculto, OFC’s Education Manager and parent activist and OFC community member Mari Villaluna.
The resolution to create this advisory council was introduced by Board Member (and past OFC Night Out honoree) Allison Collins earlier this month, as a core part of efforts to support SFUSD in developing “affirming practices” that affect LGBTQ+ parents and their families.
Like other Parent Advisory Councils, a QT Parent Advisory Council would be able to provide feedback on policies and practices that influence our relationships to school community, such as changes to school forms, inclusivity at school events, and a host of other aspects of school life.
Current advisory groups officially reporting to the school board include the African American Parent Advisory Council, District English Learners Advisory Committee, Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander PAC and Community Advisory Committee for Special Education.
We clearly think this addition would help increase visibility, access, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ families, and could help set a standard that other school districts could follow suit.
Please come out and support Queer and Trans families in San Francisco Unified–and beyond, since this will provide a model–and help this resolution get approved and funded for next year! Given the increasing pressure on school boards across the state and the nation to roll back even incremental LGBTQ protections, a PAC like this is needed now more than ever.
The Queer Trans PAC resolution has already been approved for first reading by the full board, and is now headed to the Curriculum and Programs Committee on December 13, 2021. SFUSD Board Meetings remain virtual during COVID, so you can participate from home. Go to the district website for more details and information about how to log in the meeting to share public comment!
https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/board-education/board-education-meetings
