Resolution for Consideration before San Jose City Council
WHEREAS, all children have a right and need to have the freedom, especially at school, to learn and be themselves, and to feel and be safe and supported, free from discrimination in an inclusive environment, regardless of race, gender, or any other attribute; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the families in our community come in many different forms and the City values all our families and caregivers, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, the lack of awareness and understanding of issues facing LGBTQ+ children, youth and families has contributed to a higher rate of isolation, depression, and suicidal ideations or attempts; and
WHEREAS, education regarding LGBTQ+ issues increases understanding and cultivates acceptance of and respect for LGBTQ+ children and youth; and
WHEREAS, efforts to ban LGBTQ+ themed books, to require students to choose between their safety or being their authentic selves, and to encourage parents to “opt out” of LGBTQ+ supportive elements of our schools’ curriculum inherently deprive children, and their parents, of their rights and freedom; and
WHEREAS, Informed Parents Silicon Valley, a nonprofit, has promoted efforts to prevent schools from carrying books or including curriculum and programs where children may learn about not only gender identity and LGBTQ+ families but also issues like social and emotional health and racial justice, encouraging parents to opt out of such important educational opportunities for creating a safe and inclusive school environment;
WHEREAS, on the morning of September 1st, Informed Parents Silicon Valley, posted volunteers in front of schools in Cambrian Unified School District, San Jose Unified School District, Franklin-McKinley School District and other locations in our community, harassing children and parents trying to get to school with literature urging parents to pull students out of curriculum meant to increase acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ children and families.
WHEREAS, elected officials exercise power in the name of the people, all of the people, and as a result, are bound by a sacred trust to serve and represent all their constituents, regardless of who they are or whom they love; and
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, therefore affirm the importance of this Council and all of its members take action to ensure all San Jose residents, especially our children, can grow, learn and work in a safe, inclusive and caring environment regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation; and
WE, FURTHER call on all members of this Council and fellow elected officials in our community to condemn these acts by Informed Parents Silicon Valley, the Values Advocacy Council, and any effort that supports anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ+ activities in our local schools; and
WE FURTHERMORE call on all members of this Council and elected officials across Santa Clara County to affirm support of the transgender and broader LGBTQ+ communities and disavow further collaboration or support for anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ+ groups, including the Informed Parents of Silicon Valley.
Submitted by: Councilmembers Omar Torres and Pam Foley
