Pittsburgh Public Schools board opposes state bills curtailing classroom lessons on race, gender

[Joe Cool]

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2022/11/22/pittsburgh-public-schools-board-resolution-state-bills-classroom-lessons-race-gender-pps-students/stories/202211220104

The Pittsburgh Public Schools board unanimously approved a resolution taking a stance against state legislation that the board says is harmful toward LGBTQ students and students of color.

The resolution, introduced by board member Devon Taliaferro, opposes four bills that “would threaten the ability of the school district of Pittsburgh to build a culture of belonging that embraces differences, reflects our local community and allows all students and educators to be their authentic selves.” The board’s resolution says the state bills “seek to place fear in teachers” and are harmful to LGBTQ individuals and people of color.

Pittsburgh is the first district in Pennsylvania to draft a resolution opposing these state bills, but Ms. Taliaferro said she hoped other districts would follow.

Before the board’s vote Tuesday, Ms. Taliaferro said she believes most people want every child to have access to a “high quality, age-appropriate education.”