LGBTQ+

There are multiple LGBTQ+ issues that come up as I've been walking door to door.  Here's where I stand.  In regards to CHYA (sex-ed) and other curriculum in elementary and middle school grades, I support parents' rights.  While I respect the right for adults to make their own choices, I do not feel it is appropriate for young children to be faced with such mature topics against their families' wishes.  On the issue of AB1955, I support the current legislative ruling that protects the First Amendment rights of teachers to speak the truth to parents, rather than requiring them to lie or be dishonest.  I also absolutely support the fair treatment of every student, including those that might identify as LGBTQ+ and stand against discrimination, harassment, or bullying (which are also illegal).  As a parent and teacher, I do not believe that any of these stances negatively impacts LGBTQ+ students.  I have read a lot of research on LGBTQ+ students and the current assessments by experts of their risks and needs, including data across all youth in the areas of mental health and suicide, and I believe that many of the issues are not related to curriculum or so called "outing," but rather due to increased isolation as a result of technology and social media that has led to the erosion of deep family and community relationships among many young people.  In regards to AB1955 specifically, I believe these risks and concerns should cause us to encourage all youth to connect more deeply with their family unit and community and find love and support in real, in-person relationships, rather than promote the idea that a youth is misunderstood and therefore should isolate from family.  I commit to continuing to work hard to improve those real, in-person relationships through our curriculum, discipline, school culture, and any other areas under my influence.