Pittsburgh Public Schools board approves resolution 'opposing harmful legislation'
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh Public Schools board has passed a resolution "opposing all harmful legislation that is inconsistent with the needs" of the district's students.
On Tuesday, the board voted on and approved a resolution that opposes four state bills on Tuesday night. The bills are House bills 1532 and 2813, plus Senate bills 1278 and 1277.
The resolution will now be sent to the sponsors of the bill, the governor and other state leaders.
"All four bills are inconsistent with the needs of our students and threaten the ability of the School District of Pittsburgh to build a culture of belonging that embraces differences, reflects our local community and allows all students and educators to be their authentic selves," the resolution says. "The District formally opposes and rejects any legislation that suppresses classroom discussion, promotes fear, intolerance, and hate, and devalues staff, students and families of color, and LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families."
In a public meeting Monday night, several parents and teachers encouraged the board to approve the resolution.
"To ensure that all of our students are provided with the same opportunity to learn in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment and keep harmful legislation out of our district," said Ghadah Makosh, a parent of a PPS student.
House Bill 1532, called "teaching racial and universal equality," would prohibit teaching what the legislation calls "racist and sexist concepts." The school board's proposed resolution says that House Bill 1532 would prevent educators from accurately teaching history and make culturally relevant teaching nearly impossible.
"As the mother of a white child, I find it very important that she learns from teachers who are committed to teaching an accurate portrayal of the history and current state of our nation," said Beth Sondel, parent of a PPS student.
The other bills include Senate Bill 1277, which would require schools to allow parents to opt-out of curriculum containing sexually explicit content. Also, Senate Bill 1278 and House Bill 2813, which is called "parental rights in student health care," would prohibit classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation up to fifth grade, among other things.
"It is extremely important to me that they are being educated in a school district that embraces difference, allows students to be their authentic selves, and teaches the messy and important parts of American history," said Andrea Kubis, a parent of a PPS student.
One teacher said all four bills would threaten their ability as teachers to create safe and inclusive classrooms.
"I would be appalled and would consider withdrawing my son and resign my position if some of these bills went through ... if I knew they couldn't include LGBTQ+ representation in their lessons, if they couldn't honestly teach about America's past and if they couldn't encourage our children to just be themselves," said Kate Harris, a PPS teacher and parent.