Dear Alma Families:
June marks the beginning of Pride Month, which is celebrated annually to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans. In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ Americans.
Alma del Mar stands with the members of our school community who identify as LGBTQ+. We strive to foster an environment where every scholar and staff member is both recognized and celebrated as their authentic selves each and every day. At Alma, we firmly believe that all scholars deserve a safe and supportive school environment to progress academically and developmentally, and we know that an inclusive and supportive K-8 school experience is critical in the development of our scholars’ identities. We recognize the resilience and perseverance of those who have fought for their right to live freely and authentically, and affirm our obligation to making Alma an inclusive and welcoming community for all.
As a public school, Alma is required by DESE standards to teach about sexual orientation and gender identity. From the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students: “all public school systems shall, through their curricula, encourage respect for the human and civil rights of all individuals regardless of race, color, sex gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.” DESE also recommends that schools teach lessons that “help students value the contributions of LGBTQ people and understand their place in history, literature, and other fields.”
As an organization committed to equity, and in recognition of Pride Month, Alma will fly the Pride Flag at both school campuses throughout the month of June. Alma’s Board of Trustees recently approved a written Flag Policy, which states in part: “Although the School may engage the broader school community for input regarding how it may reflect its sentiments, including by flying a flag, the School retains the right to fly or refuse to fly any flag. Any flags the School may fly are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public.”
To our LGBTQ+ community members: We see you. We stand with you. We celebrate you.
In Service,
Taylor DeLoach
Executive Director