San Jose, CA - On Monday, October 3, 2022, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) hosted a flag-raising ceremony and resource fair in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month in October. The Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, was joined by Santa Clara County Board of Education (SCCBOE) President Peter Ortiz; Dr. Ken Yeager, San Jose State professor and former county supervisor; Supervisor Otto Lee, Santa Clara County Board member for District 3; Roy Tongilava, district field representative for Senator Dave Cortese; Jaria Jaug, field representative for Assemblymember Alex Lee, and the County of Santa Clara Office of LGBTQ Affairs Manager Sera Fernando, and Community Worker Crystal Haney.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr. Dewan, who addressed the SCCOE’s commitment to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community’s history, and the organization’s goal to improve access to inclusive, equitable and high-quality education.
“Today the Santa Clara County Office of Education publicly renews its commitment to champion the LGBTQ+ community,” said Dr. Dewan. “It is important to align this work with our focus on inclusive practices, continue to nurture safe spaces and trusted allies, and build upon our trusted partnerships.”
President Peter Ortiz highlighted Resolution 2306-5, unanimously passed by the SCCBOE on September 21, 2022, which acknowledged October as LGBTQ+ History Month.
“By continuing to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and celebrating civil rights leaders who progressed gay rights we are helping create safe and open spaces for our youth,” said President Ortiz.
Supervisor Lee acknowledged LGBTQ organizers for their past advocacy against discrimination and defense of human rights, many of which defend students in school.
“Our predecessors have worked to ensure that every student has the resources and chance to succeed in their education and thrive on whichever path they choose once they graduate,” said Supervisor Lee. “These are hard-fought wins by the LGBTQ+ community for decades.”
Supervisor Lee then presented a certificate of recognition to the SCCOE, honoring the organization's dedication to allyship and creating an inclusive and welcoming culture for all students.
The SCCOE received an additional certificate of recognition from Senator Cortese’s Office and Assemblymember Alex Lee's Office.
Following the flag ceremony educators and educational leaders were invited to join the resource fair with materials provided by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, the Q Corner, Safe Schools Academy, Out for Safe Schools, San Jose City Libraries, Billy De Frank Center, and the SCCOE.
To further promote LGBTQ+ history and inclusive practices, the SCCOE will host the Queer Silicon Valley History Project traveling exhibit, an LGBTQ+ art display curated by Dr. Yeager.
“It’s so important that we include LGBTQ history in our curriculum, but how can you do that if it doesn't exist?” said Dr. Yeager. His current work includes making LGBTQ resources available to educators, including his documentary “Queer Silicon Valley: Our Community, History, & Activism.”
To view, the photos from the event visit https://sccoe.to/LGBTQHistoryMonth.
A recording of the flag-raising ceremony and additional footage of the resource fair can be found using the link below.
https://sccoe.to/LGBTQFlagRaisingVideo
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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.
For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.