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Durham schools unanimously approve new LGBTQ, gender support policy

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved an LGBTQ and gender support policy Friday.

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By
WRAL Staff
DURHAM, N.C. — The Durham Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved an LGBTQ and gender support policy Friday. The vote came after discussion during the regular work session Thursday.

“With this vote, the Board of Education has strengthened our commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment for LGBTQ students and staff,” said chair Bettina Umstead. “Thank you to everyone who advocated for these protections. We hear you and appreciate you for pushing us to best support our Durham community.”

DPS committed to further training on topics such as learning about supporting LGBTQ youth; state and national laws addressing public school education and LGBTQ students and staff; and professional development on LGBTQ language, affairs and practices.

Durham parents spoke Thursday at the school board meeting about the need to protect LGBTQ students.

The comments were heartfelt with many parents arguing for more training for staff and more resources.

Parent Seth Van Horn asked for more support from the school district after his child struggled with coming out.

"I was scared to death when my kid came out," Van Horn said. "We can either be the ones telling children don't ask questions [because] we have a lot of luck with kids not asking questions or we can be the ones to support you."

He was met with another speaker who was very much against the proposal.

"The public school system should not be enforcing homosexuality to our children," another parent said.

The school board did not come to a decision on Thursday night. The discussion will continue within Durham Public Schools and the district's three-part training for gender expression and identity.