[PHOENIX, AZ] Recently, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, shared his “concerns” about a sign at a school administrative office that utilized the progress pride flag and he correlated the time spent on “gender and sexuality politics” and alleged low test scores. We won’t repeat his lies here, but Mr. Horne’s statement reeked of racism and anti-LGBTQ ideology.
Osborn Superintendent Michael Robert’s shared his statement:
“I made very clear to Superintendent Horne that the pictures he has are not from classrooms, but rather support staff in the office, and that instruction in our classrooms is driven by the Arizona state standards. While he claims identity politics at play, the fact that he released this statement ignoring the facts discussed demonstrates the only politicking happening. We lose faith in elected officials when the leader of our state education agency chooses to attempt to bully school leaders and their communities, or pit them against one another. With the support of our school board, my message is one driven by our Core Values, and that Osborn will continue to be recognized for whom we choose to include and welcome, rather than by whom we exclude and reject.”
GLSEN Arizona’s Statement:
GLSEN Arizona echoes Superintendent Robert’s statement and encourages all schools to reflect on their mission of finding every student’s full potential. Every. Student. Every queer student. Every student of color. Every disabled student. Every. Student.
We applaud and support those within the Osborn Elementary School District working to create an environment of value and inclusion.
GLSEN research shows that the presence of supportive educators can have a significant positive impact on LGBTQ students’ academic achievement, as well as on their psychological well-being and long-term educational aspirations.
We know homophobia and transphobia undermine a healthy school climate. Inclusive educators create spaces where every student feels valued and included. That’s why GLSEN Arizona works to educate teachers, students and the public at large about the damaging effects these attacks have on our school communities.
That’s why Osborn’s Core Values play an important role in reducing bullying and creating inclusive learning spaces: Integrity, Equity, Joy, Growth, Relationships.
GLSEN Arizona is proud to be in solidarity with inclusive Osborn Elementary School District leaders and educators.
We would encourage you to contact the Osborn Elementary School District Governing Board, however, they have currently taken their Governing Board Members off their website and hampered our ability to access these publicly elected officials. We’ll keep trying and keep you updated!
For any media feedback or to join GLSEN Arizona’s efforts to foster inclusion in our K-12 schools, please email media@glsenarizona.org.
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