The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Released The Following Statement In Response To The Chino Valley USD Board Vote

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus released the following statement in response to the Chino Valley USD Board vote to forcibly out transgender and nonbinary students: The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus is extremely disappointed in the decision made by the Chino Valley USD Board last night. Their vote to forcibly out transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming students is a direct violation of their own board policies on non-discrimination. Policies requiring teachers to be the gender police do the opposite of “leave our kids alone” - incite harassment and worse. Completely absent from the board’s discussion on this policy was any sense of decorum, civility, or basic level of compassion for youth. Our Caucus wants to thank those who spoke out against this misguided policy. In particular, the students of Chino Valley USD, Chino Valley USD Board member Donald Bridge, Tony Hoang executive director of EQCA, and Superintendent Tony Thurmond. All of whom displayed courage in the face of oppression. To the students of Chino Valley USD, specifically the LGBTQ+ students: We are deeply saddened that the elected leaders of your school district have failed you. They, like all elected officials, take an oath of office. They broke that oath with their vote last night. However, this battle is far from over. Our community and our movement has never been hindered by fear or violence. The LGBTQ Caucus is deeply aware of the issue, and is actively working on new approaches to ensure you can feel safe in the classroom. You deserve to live your life authentically without fear of reprisal and consequence. Four school board members set their district back, but they will not stop us.