SAN JOSE, CA – The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is launching several new programs to support for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) youth, families/caregivers, and the Santa Clara County community. In its endeavor to create a culture of inclusion while countering bullying, harassment, social isolation, and bigotry that dramatically increase risk factors for LGBTQ persons, the SCCOE is offering to supports to school districts in meeting the needs of LGBTQ youth.
“Welcoming, inclusive, safe learning environments are important for all students," stated County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan.
The SCCOE is offering supports and programs to assist schools in the following areas:
Law and Policy
- Federal, state and school district level laws and policies that support LGBTQ youth, families/caregivers, and the Santa Clara County community.
LGBTQ-Inclusive Schools
- Developing LGBTQ-inclusive learning spaces, include LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, and supports with how to be able to better answer questions from the community related to LGBTQ topics.
- Understanding how to support gender expansive and transgender students.
Bias-Based Bullying Prevention
- Fostering ally behavior among youth, staff and other adults.
- Learning and practicing essential intervention steps.
The SCCOE is releasing an informational guide created and compiled by the Safe and Healthy Schools department. The purpose of the Guide is to assist Santa Clara County schools with their supports for LGBTQ youth, and allies. The information provided is designed to increase understanding of LGBTQ youth and their rights, while also providing guidance for creating inclusive schools.
In addition, the SCCOE has partnered with the national OUT for Safe Schools™ campaign which has been launched to ensure that students and their families feel welcomed and affirmed on school campuses. Launched in 2013 as part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Project Suicide Prevention Intervention Now (SPIN) program, the initial campaign included a distribution of 30,000 badges to Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) teachers and staff to indicate they can be approached if an LGBTQ youth needs help to feel safe at school. In 2015, OUT for Safe Schools™ expanded nationally to nine school districts nationwide, reaching more than 2.5 million students.
Starting in the Spring 2020, SCCOE districts, and their educators, administrators, and other school district employees will be invited to come out as visible allies for LGBTQ youth. As part of the OUT for Safe Schools™ program, participating school district staff will wear badges identifying them as allies in order to make school a safer, more welcoming place.
Despite increased public acceptance of LGBTQ people in general, some LGBTQ students face challenges that, contribute to higher rates of suicide, depression, homelessness and illness.
The SCCOE website provides information for districts interested in becoming an OUT for Safe Schools™ District, including the Program Lead, Dr. Christina Arpante, and a contact form for districts wanting to become an OUT for Safe Schools™ District.
LGBTQ Website
Informational Guide
OUT for Safe Schools™
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.