The rights of LGBTQIA+ students, including transgender and nonbinary students, are high on my priority list. I believe every student deserves to feel safe and supported at school – by fellow students, teachers, their families, and the community at large. For this reason, I support students’ activities that align with their gender identities, whether that’s on the field or in less public places.<\/p>\n
To proactively address systemic inequities for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC students, I would advocate for starting education and representation young. Ensuring access to appropriate resources, whether that’s tutoring, health care, mental health services, or a safe community to just be themselves should be a priority for the entire school district. Providing education and expectations for the adults and educators in a student’s life is also essential, as is ensuring a no-tolerance policy for racism and homophobia. This, joined by fostering an environment where each person is empowered to hold themselves and those around them accountable, creates a learning environment that is safe and supportive for all.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>
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I\u2019ve been endorsed by OutFront Minnesota Action in my campaign for Cambridge-Isanti School Board.<\/p>\n
OutFront Minnesota strives to lead Minnesota towards LGBTQ equality, and I\u2019m excited to connect with them on issues related to LGBTQ liberation.<\/p>\n
Every student, regardless of race, sex, gender, class, disability, or level of success, deserves access to a quality education that meets their needs – which includes feeling safe and welcome at school.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
I believe Critical Race Theory is an important lens through which students learn to own their mistakes and call out their own biases through modeling and sharing an accurate, unglorified depiction of history. It provides the opportunity for students to not only learn history but learn that it is okay to say that you were wrong and make improvements for the future. Since my own time in public school, I\u2019ve learned so much <\/span>about racial bias and inequity that was left out of my time in the education system. What I have learned has helped me to address my own biases and learned thought processes, allowing me to become a more caring, accepting, and understanding individual.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> One of the most pressing issues facing public education right now is the teacher and staffing shortage. It is important that all employed within the education system are well-paid, given access to appropriate resources like time-off and adequate sick time, and are provided the opportunity to have a work-life balance. As mentioned earlier, I would be interested to hear from current or former staff to learn about improvements they would suggest!<\/p>\n Another big issue is the focus on standardized testing. While measuring improvements is important, standardized testing assumes that every student learns in the same way, performs in the same way, and can express their improvements in the same way. I believe the strong focus on standardized testing creates education shortfalls. Instead of meeting students where they\u2019re at, teaching them to problem-solve, regulate their emotions, and explain themselves and ask for appropriate help, we are put in a position to force-feed them specific knowledge. It doesn\u2019t seem like an effective way to educate our youth or help them become productive, well-rounded members of society.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> In any situation, communication is key – and in this situation, I think listening will be the most important part. What are current teachers and educational assistants asking for? What issues are they facing on a day-to-day basis that are obstacles to their retention and career satisfaction? From what I have heard so far, making sure teachers have access to resources (like classroom supplies) that don\u2019t have to come out of their own pockets and improving their pay and working conditions are at the top of the list. It\u2019s easy to look at that and look at the budget, shrug, and carry on saying you can\u2019t do anything. I can\u2019t say that I have all the answers either – but I think that coming to the table ready to listen and find solutions is an integral part of growing and keeping our educational team.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>