Unified for Students
Dear Superintendent Su, Mayor Daniel Lurie, and Members of the SF Board of Education:
We write as a coalition of educators, parents, community members, and organizations who support LGBTQ+ youth and care deeply about the well-being and education of students in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). In light of Dr. Su’s imminent testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives, we want to emphasize the importance of SFUSD continuing to champion a curriculum which reflects the full diversity of our community. Our curriculum must include diverse histories and experiences, foster critical thought, and acknowledge the contributions and existence of LGBTQ+ people. That is why it is paramount that SFUSD continues to be at the forefront of ethnic students implementation and protects the rights of all students to bring their full selves to school.
SFUSD has long modeled the power of inclusive instruction, and in doing so has been a beacon of hope for marginalized and silenced communities across the country. The federal government is attempting to push the stories and students who belong to these communities out of the public eye, out of public schools, and out of classroom materials. They are trying to undermine our and other school districts’ commitment to what should be a universal value: that every child has the right to receive a high-quality education in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. We write this letter to urge you to remain unwavering in your commitment to these values and to let you know that you are far from alone in the fight to protect them.
Students thrive when they feel seen, valued, and connected to their school community. This is especially important for LGBTQ+ youth. Young SFUSD students have reflected to their educators that when they first saw someone like themselves in a book it made them feel “normal.” Representation matters. The simple act of seeing your reality reflected in literature and your story told in history can make the difference in the trajectory of a young person’s life. Queer kids are given the message that they matter, they belong, and their lives are worthy of respect. When they are given access to books by queer authors they see what futures might be possible for them.
Ethnic studies likewise helps to message to each of our students that their group, and every other group that makes up our vibrant community, holds importance within SFUSD and throughout our broader community. SFUSD’s robust, data-proven ethnic studies curriculum encourages critical thinking, empathy, historical understanding, and civic engagement. It helps our students develop understanding across difference, an essential skill to be able to participate thoughtfully in a diverse democracy.
Misguided political threats and complaints by a vocal minority of parents must not be allowed to determine whether students have access to accurate history, inclusive learning environments, or the opportunity to see themselves reflected in their education.
We recognize that political attacks on these values have presented a challenge for you and school leaders across the country. But leadership matters most in moments of pressure. We respectfully urge you not to retreat from educational practices that support student well-being, reflect academic integrity, and uphold the district’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
At Dr. Su’s upcoming hearing in Washington, we have an opportunity to lead with courage and care by affirming that:
LGBTQ+ students deserve to feel safe, respected, and represented in school;
SFUSD’s curriculum is educationally sound and developmentally appropriate;
Ethnic studies is a vital part of a comprehensive civic education; and
Every student benefits from learning in an environment rooted in dignity, honesty, and mutual respect.
We appreciate your leadership and your commitment to serving all students. We thank you for standing up for SFUSD’s core values at the hearing.
Sincerely,
Rainbow Families Action
American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California
PFLAG National
Transgender Law Center
Advocates for Trans Equality
Advocates for Youth Amor Para Todos Bay Resistance
PFLAG: Danville / San Ramon Valley PFLAG: Oakland / East Bay
PFLAG: Sacramento PFLAG: San Francisco
PFLAG: San Jose / Peninsula PFLAG: Tri Valley
Chinese Progressive Association Indivisible SF
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus