The resolution passed unanimously by Summit School District in October that was so hotly contested at the Jan. 12 school board meeting states, “Summit School District Board of Education reaffirms its commitment to policies that support and represent the diverse people and families in our communities and opposes any action by the Colorado State Board of Education to remove or limit the representation of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people in K-3 grade-level standards …”

It simply means that school staff will recognize, support and value LBGTQ+ and BIPOC staff and students in our schools! In reviewing the kindergarten to 3 grade level state standards, there are standards that address teaching students about family structures and a student’s place in their families, school and community. These are conversational subjects that naturally come up in most kindergarten to third grade classrooms and may include talking about same sex parents, single parents, transgender parents, as well as children who do not conform to societal norms of what a boy or girl should look or act like. This is not indoctrination in any way.

A heterosexual married teacher often displays a photo of his/her spouse and family in their classroom. A gay teacher should be able to do so as well. Displaying such a photo might create a conversation about same sex marriage and that not all families look the same.

A K-3 student may not conform to male/female stereotypes, dressing or acting differently. A K-3 student may share that his dad is getting married to another man. Shouldn’t these kinds of casual conversations not only be allowed but encouraged? They are natural conversations that create community within a classroom by supporting and recognizing diversity as a reality, and not denying the value of all of our students, teachers and staff.

I strongly support the district’s equity policy.