PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Public Schools (PPS) is altering its suspension policy, after agreeing to a new contract with its teachers on Sunday.

The district and teachers agreed to give more support to kids and cut back on suspensions. Portland Public also plans to divert more resources, like psychologists, therapists and school counselors to intervene before students’ problems escalate into fights.

“It was very difficult to get that rapid response on time,” said Francisca Alvarez, a bilingual instructional coach at Scott Elementary School.

Alvarez said after the past few years, she has noticed a change in students.

“Educators are seeing more students in crisis,” Alvarez said.

Since the pandemic, there’s been more mental health issues in Portland Public Schools, and sometimes, that’s led to fights in school, Alvarez said.

Previously, PPS could suspend middle and high school for at least five days for extreme cases of physical harm or threats of violence. Now, a new contract agreement with teachers changes that.

“Through this bargain, we have added or expanded a team of professionals,” said PPS Chief of Student Services Jey Buno.

Instead of minimum five-day suspensions, staff psychologists, counselors and social workers will take a more hands on role. Other staff will also help provide additional student support.

“Now when students are in crisis, we have a rapid response team that we made sure to increase,” Alvarez said.

Rapid response teams increased from four to 12. They will intervene earlier when teachers and principals realize a student may need help.

“We have to move to the prevention and not the reaction,” Alvarez said.

PPS said there will be instances where discipline and suspending students may be required.

“We’ll take the unique circumstances of the situation and the student into consideration,” Buno said.

Some students are also unsure how effective the policy will be.

“I guess my question would be ‘How do they know what to intervene with?'” asked Lincoln High School senior Casey Marotta.

Source : KGW8

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Alberta’s government is having an “active conversation” about whether school employees should require parents’ permission before changing the names or pronouns they use to address students, the education minister says.

Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said parent concerns and inconsistent policies across the province have sparked the discussion about whether to introduce optional guidance or binding rules.

“There’s concerns as well, I know, from school boards and school divisions,” Nicolaides said at the legislature on Tuesday. “We had, of course, that million march for kids. So there’s concerns just generally about the topic, so I think it’s something that’s important for government to examine.”

The internal discussions come weeks after members attending the United Conservative Party annual general meeting in Calgary voted in favour of a non-binding motion pushing the government to require school staff to seek a parent’s permission when a student wishes to be addressed by a different name or pronoun.

A policy change earlier this year in New Brunswick requiring such parent permission for name changes prompted public protests and dissent within the ruling Progressive Conservative party.

Saskatchewan’s premier is using the notwithstanding clause to guard similar legislation the Saskatchewan Party government tabled earlier this year.

The province’s Parents’ Bill of Rights prompted a court challenge from the University of Regina Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity.

The notwithstanding clause allows a government to override certain sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that deal with fundamental freedoms, legal rights and equality rights, for five-year terms. Once invoked, the notwithstanding clause prevents any judicial review of the legislation in question. After five years, the clause ceases to have any effect unless it is re-enacted.

Alberta policy variance

In Alberta, school boards, charters and independent schools set policies about how to handle requests from gender-diverse students.

CBC News reviewed some of those policies earlier this year and found variation across the province. Calgary Catholic Schools requires parental permission to change a student’s name, but is silent on pronouns.

Some other divisions explicitly say students decide how they are addressed. Other boards’ policies and procedures are silent on the matter.

“There’s a lot of variance,” Nicolaides said. “So, does the government need to provide some more guidelines?”

Nicolaides said he is also examining changes to schools’ requirements to inform parents and guardians about sex education or religion lessons.

Alberta’s Education Act requires schools to tell parents when instruction will deal with religion or human sexuality.

On Tuesday, Nicolaides said there is inconsistency in how parents are notified. He said parents may not know they have the ability to opt their children out of those lessons if they wish.

He said the government hasn’t decided whether it will issue guidelines or amend the Education Act to change the requirements.

‘A solution looking for a problem that doesn’t exist’

Kristopher Wells, an associate professor at MacEwan University and Canada Research Chair for the public understanding of sexual and gender minority youth, said it could be daunting for the Alberta government to bring a name and pronoun policy into law because Saskatchewan’s experience shows the province would likely have to use the notwithstanding clause.

He said if parents are concerned about what’s happening in their child’s school, their best recourse is to get involved with school councils.

“We’ve certainly heard from 2SLGBTQ students who feel under threat. Feel that their government doesn’t support them, and feel anxious and unsafe in their schools, wondering if their identities and confidentiality is going to be respected,” Wells said.

“This is a solution looking for a problem that doesn’t exist.”

NDP education critic Rakhi Pancholi said she’s disturbed, but not surprised, that the government is looking at a provincial policy on gender-diverse students’ names and pronouns.

“Children’s right to feel safe and welcome at school should not be up for discussion,” Pancholi said in a Monday interview.

She said the government is pandering to a far-right base of the party that showed up in droves at the UCP’s AGM to vote on policies and elect board members.

Pancholi said it’s a move by the premier to hang on to power after the grassroots group Take Back Alberta and its leader, David Parker, claimed to successfully push former Premier Jason Kenney out as UCP leader.

“We knew it was going to be a matter of time before Danielle Smith had to make good on her promises to them and bring forward something, at some point, that is actually going to make it less safe for kids to be in school.”

Source : CBC

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Last month, I attended the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management’s Fall Research Conference. This is the ultimate wonk conference — more than 2,000 policy analysts and researchers convening in Atlanta, Georgia to talk about the most recent research on topics of public policy.

I go to this conference because I’m interested in what people are learning about public policy across the country. I’m often interested in learning things that I can bring back to Ohio — new analysis being conducted that is not happening here in the Buckeye State. Ohio isn’t usually on the cutting edge of policy analysis, so this is a good place for me to learn about things I can bring back home.

Imagine how surprised I was when I saw one of the most innovative research projects in the country presented by the Ohio Department of Education.

If you follow Statehouse news, you likely have heard about the efforts to reform education finance in Ohio. Alongside these legislative reforms, which will likely lead to billions of dollars in changes for school funding in Ohio, the state Department of Education (newly changed to the “Department of Education and Workforce”) has been conducting a series of studies on the cost of education in Ohio.

Two of these studies were released late last year. 

In November 2022, the Department of Education released a study by the American Institutes for Research on the cost of adequate special education in the state of Ohio. A month later, the Department released a study by West Ed and APA on the cost of education for English language learners in Ohio.

What I found fascinating about these studies was the approach they took. The studies were focused on a similar question: what will it cost to provide an adequate education for key student subgroups? They then answered these questions by turning to Ohioans.

Each of these studies included both interviews and surveys with professionals across the state to understand the components needed in education and the costs associated with these components. They both also undertook a “professional judgment panel” approach that utilized panels of local experts to understand the resources needed to provide education and the cost of those resources.

The Department of Education and Workforce is now contracting a new study, this time focusing on economic disadvantage, a component of school funding that could have a wider research than the last two studies.

While the Department has not officially endorsed the findings of these reports, they commissioned them in order to make sure that policymakers had access to the best information possible when formulating school funding policy.

Whether the General Assembly incorporates the results of these findings into future education budgeting is yet to be determined. We still live in a democracy, so it is not technocrats who make these decisions, it is elected officials who do. 

That being said, these sorts of studies represent a triumph for evidence-based policymaking and a marrying of the ideals of rational policy analysis and local input. Often Ohio is the last to undertake innovations in policy, but this is a situation where Ohio is leading the way. And as a state, we should be proud of that.

Source : Ohio Capital Journal

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The first meeting of Karnataka’s newly formed State Education Policy (SEP) commission set the foundation for an ambitious project that aims to overhaul the state’s education system.

Sukhdev Thorat, former UGC Chairman and current SEP Chairman, has promised a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach that will address short and long-term challenges in the education landscape of the state.

CREATION OF THE COMMISSION AND ITS MANDATE

The formation of a 15-member committee in charge of drafting the state education policy was directed by the government’s October 11 order, which calls for the inclusion of retired ICS officers, professors, and writers.

The team at this helm has been tasked with a thorough examination of the current status of both the school and higher education institutions in Karnataka, and to outline a comprehensive report by February 28, 2024.

NINE WORKING GROUPS TO REVIEW EDUCATION SECTORS

In an all-encompassing approach, the commission has instituted nine working groups to focus on distinct aspects of education.

These include the dissection of quality and accessibility, financing, governance, student enrolment, professional education, and issues surrounding online and distance education, alongside an evaluation of the role of value education in the curriculum.

Sukhdev Thorat emphasised the commission’s intent to include the perspectives of former vice-chancellors, education experts, retired professors, civil society groups, student forums, and other relevant stakeholders from across states in their fact-based report.

A POLICY DRAFTED ON FACTS AND DATA

“The report will be based on facts, not presumptions. The policy will fix short and long-term challenges for Karnataka’s education system. It will be comprehensive and futuristic, in line with the Radhakrishnan Commission and Kothari Commission reports.” Thorat said.

EXTENSION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND FUTURE PLANS

While under a directive to submit the policy within a stipulated timeframe, Thorat said that an extension may be requested if required. “As for implementation, it is up to the government to decide,” Thorat added.

The formation of the commission aligns with a proposal made in August, whereby the state government gave an in-principle nod for the formulation of SEP ready for the next academic year.

Source : India Today

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The State government has constituted a committee to frame the Karnataka State Education Policy, which will be a model for the entire country, said Madhu Bangarappa, Minister for School Education and Literacy.

In an interview with The Hindu in Shivamogga, the Minister said the policy would not favour any particular political party or be against any party. “Our motto is to focus on what is essential for providing quality education for our children. The committee has been told to interact with all stakeholders, including those who oppose the SEP,” he said.

Excerpts:

Why did the State go for SEP, in place of the new National Education Policy-2020, proposed by the Union government?

There are many reasons. For one, the Centre tried to infuse saffronisation through the policy. Such a policy and syllabus end up communalising children. They will be encouraged to hate somebody. How can we accept that?

Moreover, the BJP government introduced it without holding a discussion with anybody. They were in a hurry to implement it because of the pressure from the party high command. It showed they were more committed to the party high command than quality education for children.

On the other hand, we are not bringing any agenda of Congress in the name of policy. It will remain unbiased.

Besides that, the simple reason for SEP is that we want the schools to be under the State government’s control. Here, for example, we teach children about our great poet Kuvempu, our rulers Krishnadevaraya, Rani Chennamma, warrior Onake Obavva, social reformers Basavanna, Narayana Guru or the rivers like the Cauvery of our land. These are all part of our culture.

In the name of NEP, our children will be forced to study something not connected to our culture. Hence, we want a policy that talks about our culture and nativity.

Do you anticipate the Union government’s non-cooperation to implement the SEP by stopping funds for Centrally sponsored schemes?

I don’t think they will be so cruel… Anyhow, we are providing food for children in Classes 9 and 10. They (the Centre) are providing for children only up to Class 8. We are providing uniform, eggs, and books. We will manage. Already, they are not giving us our due share of taxes. Let them clear our dues first.

The committee headed by Dr. Sukhdev Thorat has only six months time. When you are planning to implement SEP?

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said it will be implemented by next academic year.

I feel the time we have is short. The committee has six months. It has begun the work just two days ago. By April 2024, they may submit the report. Later, we may have to go for textbook revision. It may require more time. Then, we will convey this to the CM.

However, the transition from the NEP to the SEP will be smooth. NEP was implemented only in higher education. The changes will be made so that the students do not feel disturbed.

Will the SEP be applied to ICSE, CBSE, and Central Syllabus schools as well?

The SEP committee will deliberate on this issue. At the end of the day, the idea is to give good education. There are a lot of similarities in the syllabus. SEP aims to do away with any agenda that infuses hatred among children through their textbooks…. We will not saffronise or Congressise our SEP.

Are there any specific instructions to the SEP committee on teaching of Kannada and the medium of instruction?

Kannada will have primacy. Students will have the option to learn other languages. English will be taught too.

With regard to the medium of instruction, the students will have a choice of both Kannada and English medium. Many parents are opting for English medium in our Karnataka Public Schools (KPS). Even those who initially chose Kannada as their medium of instruction are gradually transitioning to English. We respect their choice.

Recently, NCERT panel recommended replacing India with Bharath in textbooks. How do you see it?

All these years, we accepted both Bharath and India. When we introduce ourselves in English, we call ourselves Indian, and in Kannada, we identify ourselves as Bharathiya. But the Centre is trying to divide between Bharath and India.

Moreover, they are bringing up the issue of India and Bharat at the very end of their term. It shows they have no other issue to go before the public. They want to whip up emotions for political gains. Our policy will be clear on this. We will retain both names.

Source : The Hindu

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Members of Alberta’s ruling United Conservative Party approved a resolution calling for a requirement that teachers, schools and school boards get written consent from parents before using chosen names and pronouns of students Saturday.

It was one of 30 policy proposals put to a vote at the UCP’s annual general meeting in Calgary. Almost 3,800 people gathered at the BMO Centre – the largest provincial party meeting in Alberta’s 118-year history, UCP leader and Premier Danielle Smith said.

Approval from members is non-binding on the government, and doesn’t guarantee the ideas will translate into legislation.

During her keynote speech, Smith made a nod to the long-time conservative push for more “parental rights.”

“Parents are the primary caregivers and educators,” she said to a loud applause and a standing ovation.

“Regardless of how often the extreme left undermines the role of parents, I want you to know that parental rights and choice in your child’s education is and will continue to be a fundamental core principle of this party and this government, and we will never apologize for it,” said Smith.

However, speaking to reporters, Smith was non-committal about bringing forward legislation like that seen in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick that will require teachers and schools get parental consent before allowing students under the age of 16 to change their names or pronouns.

Critics say such requirements limit the rights of trans and non-binary kids and could put them at risk.

When asked about her thoughts on the UCP resolution Smith said she would take the issue back to caucus, and consult with stakeholders before making any decisions or legislative changes.

“The way our policy process works, is the members tell us what they would like us to do, but we obviously have to put it all through the lens of what is best for Albertans as a whole,” said Smith, adding that she is still hopeful the issue can be de-politicized.

“I don’t think it matters if you’re a straight couple or a gay couple, or whether you’re a trans individual. You want to know what’s going on with your kids, that’s what I hear,” said Smith, adding she believes the government needs to ensure kids feel protected and supported.

During debate on the resolution, put forward by the Edmonton West-Henday UCP constituency association, Blaine Badiuk argued that the policy might intend to enhance parental involvement, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of vulnerable kids. “This policy divides kids and their parents,” Badiuk said.

Michelle Bataluk, from Edmonton West-Henday, said parents are being pushed aside by leftist indoctrination that caters to a loud minority.

“Children and teens should be educated in school, not brainwashed by woke activists who do not have their best interest in mind,” she said to massive applause.

The resolution was approved by an overwhelming majority.

The large turnout for the annual general meeting is widely assumed to have been driven by the work of Take Back Alberta, a third-party advertiser that’s been working to rally social conservatives, including those who were disenchanted with former premier Jason Kenney and helped bring Smith to the helm of the party last year.

About one-fifth of the resolutions stemmed from some kind of grievance from the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, including one calling for the protection of medical practitioners’ right to research, speak and write, and protect them from having their licences threatened for expressing their medical opinions publicly. During that yes vote, one audience member yelled “freedom!”

Take Back Alberta leader David Parker spoke in support of a successful resolution calling on the government of Alberta to protect “an individual’s right to informed consent decisions regarding their own body.”

“This is why many of us are here. So let’s vote for it,” he told the crowd.

Other policy proposals approved by members included calls for an end to funding for supervised consumption sites, more pushback against Ottawa’s draft clean electricity regulations, and banning transgender women from being placed in women’s correctional facilities.

Resolutions calling for the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion offices in post-secondary institutions, the banning of using race as a factor in admissions were approved. One resolution lashing out at the municipal planning of accessible, 15-minute cities and another against the use of electronic voting machines also carried.

Only one, calling for the implementation of a school voucher system “to ensure that education funding follows each student and enhances the vision of school choice,” was narrowly defeated.

With two board members acclaimed, nine of 18 executive positions were filled Saturday.

Rob Smith, an Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills constituency association president who opposed Kenney and supported Smith for leader, won enough votes in a third ballot to become president after Cynthia Moore decided not to run for re-election.

Source : Edmonton Journal

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People in Moore and Hoke counties say they’re planning on protesting at Sandhills Community College on Saturday morning. They’re concerned the college has abruptly stopped posting banners that had been used in the past to celebrate diversity.

Normally at this time of year, Matthew Dial of Pinehurst says the banners on the light poles at Sandhills Community College are replaced with banners celebrating Native American Heritage Month.

“I always looked forward to seeing those banners on campus for Native American Heritage Month, and knowing that my heritage matters that the institution recognized that,” Dial said.

But after five years, Dial said that the new tradition has come to an end. Meeting minutes from June show the college’s board of trustees changed policies to restrict the kinds of banners and flags that can be posted on campus. SCC policy says the banners must promote education, athletics, or its performing arts programs. Now people on campus say they’ve noticed other traditional banners celebrating diversity like ones for Pride Month and Hispanic Heritage Month haven’t been posted in recent months since either.

“I don’t like that. Everybody should be created equal and I love these months where it’s National Heritage Month–especially Native Americans. I’m Native American. So, it would be nice to see that at colleges,” Katie Rogers said, a Sandhills Community College alumna.

“There’s never been an open discussion as to why it was necessary for these banners to be removed,” Dial said.

Dial said he is organizing a protest Saturday at 10 AM by the college’s student center to draw awareness and demand action. Meanwhile, the college president Dr. Alexander Stewart says that while those cultural flags are no longer being posted up front because of the new policy, the college will still celebrate its diversity.

“They’re will be educational programs and I believe the college has reached out to the Lumbee tribe to take part in that and so there is a schedule of activities from throughout the month,” he said.

ABC11 is still waiting for a response from the college’s board of trustees on why the changes were made.

Source : abc 11

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The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District in Orange County is the latest California school district to consider a parental notification policy.

However, unlike other California school districts that have adopted a policy to inform parents if their child is transgender, the PYLUSD proposal currently doesn’t specifically mention gender identity but focuses on mental health, the Orange County Register reported.

Under the proposal, a designated school counselor would notify a student’s family within 24 hours if they have a “reasonable cause that doing so will avert a clear and present danger to the health, safety, or welfare” of the student or those around them.

“Due to the current nationwide mental health crisis exacerbated by the global pandemic, the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District recognizes the need for frequent, ongoing and oftentimes immediate communication between school administration, staff, and parents/guardians,” the policy said.  

“Furthermore, with reports of depression, anxiety and suicide rates at an all-time high among public school students, action is needed to address this emerging crisis and support the health and welfare of district students.”

The policy states that the district wants to include parents in “the decision-making process for mental health and social-emotional issues of their children arising at school at the earliest possible time to prevent or reduce potential instances of harm to self or others as well as promote communication and positive relationships with parents and guardians.”

The policy comes at the request of Superintendent Alex Cherniss, who didn’t clarify if the proposal could be used to notify parents if their child is transgender.

“The policy speaks for itself and covers all matters related to parental notification.” Cherniss told the OC Register.

Several school districts across California including Orange, Murrieta Valley, Chino Valley and Temecula Valley have implemented parental notification policies that would alert parents if their child requests to use different names and pronouns or want to change sex-segregated programs such as athletic teams or changing facilities that don’t align with their biological sex.

Attorney General Rob Bonita sued Chino Valley Unified School District in August for adopting a policy that he says would “forcibly out transgender students and threaten their well-being,” the Associated Press reported.

A judge issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the policy for now. The next court hearing on the issue is scheduled for Friday.

Source : KTLA 5

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GILBERT, Ariz. — Ira Latham never expected to be wearing a crop top and short shorts while addressing his children’s school board. But during a September meeting, that’s exactly what happened.

“Under the proposed policy this would be appropriate in a classroom,” Latham said, as he took off his shirt and pants to reveal a small crop top and short shorts underneath.

In May, the school governing board of the Higley Unified School District in Gilbert began discussions about updating its student dress code policy. The policy had not been changed since 2001.

Newly proposed rules

Some of the five board members advocated for a new, looser dress code policy, eliminating restrictions around tank tops, showing midriff and more. 

The new, recommended policy said, “Clothing must cover all private body parts and/or undergarments and must not be see-through. Undergarment waistbands and/or straps that are incidentally visible under clothing are permitted; however, undergarments may not be worn as clothing.”

“These are kids. They’re not at a job and I recognize at the end of the day this is the most job that they have but we need to allow freedom,” said Amanda Wade, a governing board member.

They argued the existing policies disproportionately target female students.

“We’re saying that they need to cover up because of the way it might make someone else feel and that is wrong,” said Tiffany Shultz, the governing board president.

Other board members were in favor of maintaining a more modest dress code.

“If we are prepping our children to be college and career ready then they need to learn to be able to have self respect and that doesn’t include showing off their body parts,” said Anna Van Hoek, a governing board member.

The school board met again in August to discuss the proposed policy, and again in September.

A dramatic outfit change

Parents, like Latham, gave public comment throughout the process.

“These are my babies, these are my kids. I’m concerned about them,” Latham said. “My concerns were about preparing students for entering the workforce. Setting the right expectations having respect for other students and teachers.”

Latham spoke out at a prior meeting, but he thought he needed to make a statement to get his point across, which is why he opted for a dramatic outfit change during the September meeting.

While at the podium, Latham puled off his shirt and pants to reveal a crop top and short shorts. Latham said he purchased the clothing at a thrift store.

“The dress code that they wanted to get to is just basically a dress code for a public pool. Make sure that kids cover their underwear and that’s about it,” Latham said.

Following his demonstration, the board voted 3-2 to approve the new, more lenient dress code. Board members Tiffany Shultz, Kristina Reese and Amanda Wade voted in favor of the new policy while Michelle Anderson and Anna Van Hoek voted against it.

“It’s gonna get harder for the teachers to deal with this new policy. It’s gonna be distracting in the classroom and it’s gonna have some parents that want to pull their kids out of the district,” Latham said.

12News reached out to the Higley Unified School District via phone and email requesting an interview but so far, they have not been returned.

Source : 12 News

The post Gilbert Dad Strips Down at School Board Meeting to Protest New Lax Student Dress Code Policy appeared first on Policy Print.

Multiple Catholic schools have issued statements reflecting an LGBTQ-positive stance in response to the Diocese of Cleveland’s restrictive gender policy released in September.

The policy, which includes harmful restrictions such as bans on the use of chosen names and pronouns, gender-affirming care, and celebrations of LGBTQ+ Pride, has been criticized by many for the potential harm the policy could inflict on LGBTQ+ youth.

A number of Catholic schools run by religious orders, which have some independence from the diocese, have since released statements to parents and staff prioritizing welcome, compassion, and sensitivity, especially in regard to LGBTQ+ students. Cleveland.com gathered several of these statements, and some excerpts follow.

In an email to students and parents of Magnificat High School, run by the Sisters of Humility of Mary, president Moira Clark emphasized the need to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth:

“’In a time when our adolescent youth, and young women in particular, are facing mental health crises, we remain deeply concerned about the heightened risk of mental health challenges — including depression, self-harm, and suicide — faced especially by LGBTQ youth, and we will continue to accompany them, to stand with them and accept them with love, respect, compassion, and sensitivity.’”

Such sensitivity on the part of faculty and staff is crucial to the protection of LGBTQ+ youth, especially since the policy mandates parents be informed that their child may be transgender, and because it does not consider intentional misgendering to be abuse.

Fr. Raymond Guiao, S.J., president of St. Ignatius High School, likewise spoke of the need for schools to truly care for their students in ways that reflect God’s own care, writing:

“’While questions about sexuality and gender can be complex in the context of Catholic teaching, it is our duty as a Catholic school in the Ignatian tradition to meet anyone who has these questions with pastoral care and sensitivity that embodies God’s unsurpasing love for each person.’”

Representatives of other Catholic schools echoed this need for pastoral care of LGBTQ+ youth. KC McKenna, president of St. Edward High School, operated by the Congregation of the Holy Cross, affirmed that LGBTQ+ students will receive the same level of care and concern, despite the policy, stating:

“’We will always operate in the best interest of our students and do not plan to make any changes to the pastoral ways in which we support LGBTQ+ students at St. Edward High School because of this policy.’”

It is not only pastoral care and accompaniment that LGBTQ+ Catholic youth need, but outspoken advocacy as well. St. Joseph Academy and its sponsor, the Congregation of St. Joseph, issued statements of firm support for LGBTQ+ students and staff. The Congregation’s website has the following statement:

“’We act in solidarity with all those who are marginalized. We are called by God to love one another, and with love comes compassion, respect and sensitivity for others. As a congregation, we are committed to doing the work needed to be allies and to help LGBTQ+ individuals find welcome in our church, communities and in our world.’”

A common thread throughout these schools’ statements is the conviction that responding to LGBTQ+ youth with compassion is the most Christ-filled response to this situation. Anthony Burke, a spokesman for Walsh Jesuit High School, noted that it is specifically because of the school’s Catholic identity and a faithfulness to the teachings of the Catholic Church that they strive for inclusion and welcome, stating:

“‘A central truth of our faith is to care for everyone with sensitivity that embodies God’s limitless love for each person, and that every single human being is of limitless value because they are created in the image and likeness of God.’”

In related news, the Diocese of Cleveland’s policy is impacting the wider community. News 5 Cleveland reported that Khalil Seren, mayor of Cleveland Heights, is reviewing the city’s non-discrimination ordinances’ exemptions for private and religious schools. The city includes Beaumont School, sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, and Communion of Saints Catholic School, a diocesan institution. Seren said, “we have the ability to protect the kids that live in our community, that go to school in our community, but I want to make sure we’re doing it the right way.”

Cleveland Scene reported on the impact the diocesan gender policy could have in the local arts community. Already, Daniel Kenworthy, a member of Quire Cleveland, a performance group, had his contract terminated after posting publicly on Facebook against the diocesan policy. The dispute led Quire Cleveland to cancel its final concert series, “Churches of the Same God: Mass Settings of Byrd and Tallis,” set to be performed in late September at three local Catholic churches. A board member resigned in protest of Kenworthy’s firing, which some believe was due to pressure by the diocese. A leader for the Cleveland Chamber Choir said the group would be reassessing performances in Catholic churches, too.

It is sad the diocesan gender policy is having such fallout. However, the words and convictions of Catholic schools and religious congregations are hopeful. They signal to students, parents, faculty, and staff that Catholic schools ought to be, and are, communities of Christ’s love, welcome, and radical hospitality for all, LGBTQ+ individuals included.

Source : New Ways Ministry

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