Equity
LGBTQ+
Equity in the SEZP ensures the work of centering LQBTQ+ community members and allies. Through our partnership with PIOW (Pride in Our Workplace), we explore the ways in which we recruit, retain, and affirm LGBTQ+ educators and empower our LGBTQ+ students. If you are a student looking for immediate support, connect with a crisis counselor by clicking the button below.
In our schools, we work to message the tenets that “safe is not enough” and that silence in the face of discrimination of any kind is complicit in the act of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and linguistic oppression. It is the goal of every SEZP school to eradicate silence and vigilantly engage in the work of LGBTQ+ allyship and active anti-racism. View the Safe Space Kit here to learn more about empowering and centering LGBTQ+ community members in our schools.
Our efforts across SEZP schools are supported in Massachusetts by nondiscrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ community students, families, and staff from discrimination in our learning communities, including being unfairly denied access to facilities, opportunities, supports, sports teams, or clubs, on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These laws ensure transgender community members the right to use restrooms or locker rooms consistent with their gender identities.
In addition, anti-bullying laws protect LGBTQ+ community members in our schools from bullying by others, including students and school staff, on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. These Massachusetts state laws are clearly reflected in Springfield Public Schools policy that ensure the civil rights of our LGBTQ+ community, including correct use of names and pronouns, confidentiality, and full, unimpeded access to resources, facilities, supports, and equitable instruction. View the Springfield Gender Non-Discrimination policy here.
