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At The Montessori School we continually ask ourselves what we can be doing to provide a space where children feel affirmed and supported in their identities each and every day of the year. Our school is continually working on year-round policies and practices that are responsive, accepting, and supportive. We know that classroom staff play an important role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ students so that they can learn and explore in a safe classroom community- particularly at the Elementary level. Throughout the school year, the Elementary team works to ensure the students are exposed to LGBTQ+ joy while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done (in our greater community and our classroom). Learning for Justice has a variety of resources we use to ensure we are creating that environment. From their Best Practices Guide: “An LGBTQ+ inclusive school benefits all students. Seeing LGBTQ+ identities valued in the classroom, in the curriculum and in day-to-day interactions inspires empathy, understanding and respect. The overall school climate is safer. The lessons on history, literature and culture are more complete.”
One of our favorite sections in this guide is called Know Your Students’ Rights! At The Montessori School we recognize that:
- No matter what sex a student was assigned at birth, they have a right to express their gender as they wish.
- Students have a right to be free from discrimination or harassment based on religious views. *The right to freedom from religious persecution extends to making sure students can’t be denied equal access to safety and opportunity due to someone else’s religious beliefs.
- Students have a right to express LGBTQ+ pride.
- Students have a right to form GSAs.
- Students have a right to access facilities and opportunities that match their gender identity.
- Students have a right to an education free from harassment and to have harassment treated seriously.
- LGBTQ+ students have a right to privacy and, thus, a right not to be “outed.”
- LGBTQ+ students have a right to be “out.”
One of our favorite sections in this guide is called Know Your Students’ Rights! At The Montessori School we recognize that:
- No matter what sex a student was assigned at birth, they have a right to express their gender as they wish.
- Students have a right to be free from discrimination or harassment based on religious views. *The right to freedom from religious persecution extends to making sure students can’t be denied equal access to safety and opportunity due to someone else’s religious beliefs.
- Students have a right to express LGBTQ+ pride.
- Students have a right to form GSAs.
- Students have a right to access facilities and opportunities that match their gender identity.
- Students have a right to an education free from harassment and to have harassment treated seriously.
- LGBTQ+ students have a right to privacy and, thus, a right not to be “outed.”
- LGBTQ+ students have a right to be “out.”