SACRAMENTO, CA – The LGBTQ+ civil rights movement that began more than fifty years ago with the Stonewall Riots reached another milestone and an important victory with the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Tuesday extending Title VII nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ+ people. This is a momentous week! Today, Sac City Unified also passed a resolution recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month and the district’s commitment to providing a safe learning environment for all students.

Sac City Unified is a safe haven for all students including our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) community. Pride Month highlights the identities and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community as well as work to combat bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender expression in order to better promote and foster a safe and respectful culture within the District.

“From programs specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ youth to the guidance counselors on our school sites, Sac City Unified is committed to creating inclusive and affirming school campuses,” said Sacramento City Unified School District Superintendent Jorge Aguilar. “This week we were encouraged by the Supreme Court decision protecting our LGBTQ+ community, but we know there is still much to be done to ensure equal opportunity and access.” 

Our Sac City Unified Connect Center is a critical district program for students, staff and community resources. The center provides training, activities, and lessons for and about LGBTQ+ identities. The center is committed to fostering a safe and respectful District, school and community culture. Discrimination, harassment, and rejection negatively impact LGBTQ+ youth, who are more likely to experience a mental health condition and are at greater risk of suicide.

“SCUSD believes all of our students deserve the opportunity to succeed. We also believe our LGBTQ+ students deserve a safe and encouraging learning environment that embraces them,” said Sacramento City Unified Board President Jessie Ryan. “The significantly higher rates of school dropout and school disengagement among LGBTQ+ youth across the country exasperated by harassment and bullying are unacceptable. We recognize this challenge and will continue to advocate for and support our LGBTQ+ students to help ensure they feel welcome, are valued, and safe.”

The Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education will approve and designate June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month during their Board Meeting tonight.