Ferndale School Board to Vote on LGBTQ Support

FERNDALE, MI – School board members in Ferndale will vote on a pair of resolutions Monday in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning rights — including one that would ban the use of district funds to travel to North Carolina and Mississippi, which have passed legislation that has been criticized as discriminatory to the LGBTQ community.

Another resolution would support the State Board of Education’s proposed policies aimed at ensuring LGBTQ are treated fairly in schools. The public comment period on the policies continues through May 11.

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State Superintendent Brian Whiston said the state school board “recognizes the need for all students to have a safe and supportive school environment to progress academically and developmentally, and believes school administrators, teachers, staff, families, and students all play an important role in creating and sustaining that environment.”

“The proposed state guidelines, likewise, provide a framework and guidance to all Michigan districts in creating and maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students,” she said. “This is a vital step in protecting the physical and emotional safety of our LGBTQ students.”

The travel ban would be similar to one enacted by the Royal Oak City Commission Monday.

“We do not tolerate these discriminatory laws enacted by the states of North Carolina or Mississippi, nor will we support an organization or entity that seeks to bring harm to the transgender community,” LaTosch said.

See Also

• Royal Oak Commissioners Join Protest of NC 'Bathroom Bill'

Together, LaTosch said, the two resolutions “will reaffirm our commitment to support LGBTQ youth, our pledge to speak out against discrimination in all forms, and our appeal to Michigan legislators to disavow similar measures that attempt to harm and marginalize the LGBTQ community.”