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Hi John,

It's still hot as all get-out, but summer is winding down and school is almost back in session. Teachers are preparing lesson plans, families are getting school supplies, and students are sharpening their pencils. As this school year starts, I just wanted to send a quick reminder that the Supportive Schools team is here to support families, students, educators, administrators, and community groups who are working to foster a welcoming, inclusive learning environment and protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination.

Supportive Schools has four core focus areas:
* Foster Local Organizing: We support students, families, and educators in their efforts to build LGBTQ+ inclusive schools by providing guidance on organizing and advocacy tactics for communities challenging discriminatory policies.
* Policy Guidance & Advocacy: We promote LGBTQ-inclusive policies and best practices for classrooms, schools, and school districts by distributing educational materials and directly supporting educators navigating complex school policies.
* Trainings & Workshops: We connect with local leaders and parent groups to train communities on ways to create a supportive school environment, including LGBTQ+ terms and concepts, Know Your Rights guidelines, and general guidelines for schools, staff, and faculty.
* Advocate Against Anti-LGBTQ Laws: We collaborate with local and national partners to promote LGBTQ+ affirming legislation and challenge anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies impacting students, particularly those related to inclusive book bans across the South.

Check out the Supportive Schools website, where you can find a wealth of affirming educational guidelines, information about students' rights at school, and resources for educators to support the LGBTQ+ students in their classrooms and communities. ([link removed])

I know many families are approaching this school year with some trepidation because of the unsettling, anti-LGBTQ+ climate fostered by the Trump Administration and far too many local elected officials. LGBTQ+ students deserve the same safe, welcoming educational environment as their peers – there are still strong protections in place to help students facing discrimination, and advocate for students to get a thorough, inclusive education.

Federal civil rights laws protect students, staff, and faculty from discrimination at any institution that receives federal funds. The below events would constitute discrimination – and any student experiencing this can use our Title IX guide to file a complaint against their school. ([link removed])
* A pattern of behavior, such as a teacher who intentionally misgenders or deadnames a student.
* A failure to act, such as a school that fails to address verbal and physical bullying of transgender students.
* Any combination of words and actions that creates a 'hostile educational environment' that makes it difficult or impossible for students or staff to work and learn at school.

As many debates about book censorship swept local school boards and state legislatures last year, our team got together with several of our fantastic volunteers and pulled together guidelines to help folks speaking publicly about LGBTQ+ equality. These guidelines are called Teachable Moments ([link removed]) , and are filled with detailed, factual information about LGBTQ+ identities, diverse families, pronouns, and more to help people speak to school boards, legislatures, and others with the facts at their side.

Finally, it seems to me that the 2025-26 school year is going to be the Year of the Ally. It's tough for the parents and guardians of LGBTQ+ students to advocate for their kids without disclosing their identities, while bullying and harassment – of transgender students in particular – are also on the rise. Right now, we need parents, students, and educators, LGBTQ+ or not, to stand up and speak out for schools that are safe and welcoming for students, staff, and families of all identities.

I know how hard it is to be a parent and an educator right now – it feels like LGBTQ+ kids and students just haven't caught a break in the last few years. But our work to make their schools more inclusive can make a tangible difference in their lives during this foundational time, and I believe their futures are bright. If you ever want to talk about making your school more inclusive, or seek support to navigate discrimination at school, please feel free to reach out to Supportive Schools via: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Thanks for being on our team,
Craig White
He/They
Supportive Schools Program Director
Campaign for Southern Equality
Donate to Campaign for Southern Equality ([link removed])

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