removed its 1995 policy stating that homosexuality should not be
taught as a normal, valid lifestyle. In its place, the school board
unanimously voted to install a new policy stating that district
staff should remain neutral on issues of sexual orientation.
This is a big win in a year in which Rainbow Families, the Midwest Office of Family Equality
Council, and OutFront Minnesota are spearheading a new “Safe
Schools for All” bill that will ensure the highest standard of
equity applies to LGBT students across the state.
Family Equality Council’s National Training and Advocacy Manager,
Stephanie Hazen, has managed Rainbow Families’ Safe Schools
Initiative for the last several years. This policy shift, as well
as the safe schools bill, are direct outcomes of her steadfast
commitment to creating safer, more inclusive learning environments
in Minnesota. Through partnerships with local and state groups,
especially OutFront Minnesota, Stephanie has helped put Minnesota
on the fast track towards equality for all students.
- Read the Pioneer Press article about the policy shift here.
- Read the Minnesota Independent article on the “Safe Schools for
All” bill here. - Learn more about Rainbow Families, the Midwest Office of Family
Equality Council, including the Rainbow Families School Initiative
and the upcoming 14th Annual Rainbow Families Conference (the
largest day-long conference for LGBT families in the country)
here.