Santa Clara County Board of Education
reaffirs its stance on anti-discrimination and gun safety reform
SCCOE
SAN JOSE, CA – On July 20, The Santa Clara County Board of Education passed a resolution reaffirming its focus on equality on anti-discrimination and gun safety reform in Santa Clara County schools and communities. It passed unanimously, with one board member absent.
Written in response to a request by Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) employee Mike Bromberg during the June 15 Board of Education meeting, the resolution was supported by Board Member Darcie Green in “honor of ending gun violence and supporting gun control.” The resolution request was made shortly after the Orlando, Florida massacre, but remains timely in light of recent tragedies across the country.
“Many school districts are looking to deepen their commitment to safety for vulnerable students, particularly LGBTQ students,” said Green. “We want to make sure that we’re leading on the issue of anti-discrimination and school safety in our region, and we have a history of protecting our most vulnerable children.”
Santa Clara resident Anthony Becker, a candidate for the Santa Clara City Council Seat 6, addressed the Board to endorse the resolution on the behalf of the LGBTQ community and common sense gun owners. In his testimony, he urged the board to adopt the resolution because “we need better answers to these two issues.” He suggested legislation to pass common sense gun control laws which would include stricter background checks and bans on assault rifles.
Green also asked the Board and SCCOE staff to “make sure we are up to date on all policies impacting bullying and LGBTQ students in particular.”
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mary Ann Dewan stated that Board policies have been updated within the past year through its policy committee and reflects current education code. The Gun-Free School Zone policy is currently under review and will be brought to the board in the coming months.
The Santa Clara County Board of Education will not only advocate on these issues within the local education community but also at the state and federal level. Board Member, Joseph Di Salvo, requested the board to consider endorsing the California ‘Safety for All’ Gun Initiative lead by Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, also known as Proposition 63 at a future meeting.
