York Community High School students, instructors and family members attended a meeting of the Elmhurst School District board Dec. 15 in response to that district's superintendent's decision to pull morning announcements that were on behalf of that school's Gay-Straight Alliance, according to Chicago Tribune.
The morning announcements were set to run in October, but Superintendent David Moyer would not allow it and has not publicly offered an explanation as to why. In an email to the Tribune, he said, "I share the students' belief in tolerance, acceptance and respect for all individuals. ...I have made that clear at every point along the way."
In a Dec. 17 statement, Anthony Papini, executive director of Illinois Safe School Alliance, said, "The Alliance is saddened to hear that students from the GSA at York Community High School were not allowed to read their morning announcements, which were intended to inform and educate their peers on the harsh treatment and influence of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) throughout history. The Alliance firmly believe that in order for students to reach their fullest potential, they must feel safe, welcomed and respected. This decision made by the superintendent is a clear indication that our schools are not there yet."
Morning announcements at the school regularly recognize contributions of numerous groups.
Chicago Tribune's article is at http://trib.in/1m8m8Y4.
THE ALLIANCE LENDS SUPPORT TO YORK COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL' S GSA
For Immediate Release
CHICAGO (December 17, 2015) — Today, in response to the decision by Elmhurst School District 205 Superintendent David Moyer to pull the morning announcement from the Gay, Straight, Alliance (GSA) club at York Community High School, Illinois Safe School Alliance's (the Alliance) Executive Director, Anthony Papini released the following statement:
"The Alliance is sadden to hear that students from the GSA at York Community High School were not allowed to read their morning announcements, which were intended to inform and educate their peers on the harsh treatment and influence of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) throughout history. The Alliance firmly believe that in order for students to reach their fullest potential, they must feel safe, welcomed and respected. This decision made by the superintendent is a clear indication that our schools are not there yet."
It is crucial for all students to feel included in their schools. Offering curriculum that is inclusive is essential. Telling stories about individuals such as James Baldwin, Sally Ride, Bayard Rustin, and Jane Addams, who sexuality is rarely mentioned when it comes to their contribution to this country, give students a sense of pride and historical figures with whom they can identify.
Illinois Safe School Alliance is proud of our partnerships with Gay Straight Alliance's throughout the state of Illinois. We continue to provide opportunities for students to convene and learn about social justice, equity, and inclusion. It is our goal to inspire students to advocate for their rights in schools. In addition to supporting students we also provide professional development to administrators, teachers, and staff in schools to ensure that schools have the proper resources to support LGBTQ students.
About The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance>
The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance promotes safety, support and healthy development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in Illinois schools and communities. The Alliance's strategy is a multifaceted approach that helps youth become catalysts for change by developing youth leadership skills; promotes public policy reform with local government and school systems; trains school personnel; supports gay-straight alliances; and provides technical assistance to youth, educators and parents. For more information about the Alliance, visit www.illinoissafeschools.org .