LTC 027-2017 Youth Commission MotionMIAM
EACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 027-2017
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members off the City Co `4 ission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: January 17, 2017
SUBJECT: Youth Commission Motion
The Youth Commission would like you to be aware of the following motion requesting support for the
National Parent Teacher Association resolution on LGBTQ Individuals as a Protected Class and
adoption of a similar resolution for all City youth programs, approved at the January 17, 2017
commission meeting.
C: Executive Staff
Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld, Chief Learning Development Officer
Attachment
KGB/
City of Miami Beach
Youth Commission
Meeting of January 17, 2017
Members Present: Itai Beaudoin de Roca, Benjamin Burstein, Nicole Leser, and Logan Courey
Members Absent: Olivia Kramer and Amanda Garcia
Motion made by Nicole Leser
Motion seconded by Itai Beaudoin De Roca
Motion Text:
The Youth Commission requests the Miami Beach Mayor and Commission support the National
Parent Teach Association (PTA) resolution on LGBTQ Individuals as a protected class and adopt a
similar resolution for all city -run, city -sponsored, and city -partnered youth programming.
The Youth Commission urges the Mayor and Commission to support the above request.
Motion Passage: Votes 4-0
National
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everychild. one voice.
National PTA Resolution on LGBTQ Individuals as a Protected Class
June 30, 2016
Whereas, All children and youth should be able to attend school in a safe and inclusive environment free from
discrimination, and that history has shown that civil rights laws are effective in contributing to such environments; and
Whereas, Explicit federal statutory protections currently address discrimination on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, disability, but not sexual orientation or gender identity; and
Whereas, The lack of awareness and understanding of issues facing LGBTQ children and youth has contributed to a
higher rate of isolation, depression, and suicidal ideations or attempts; and
Whereas, Education regarding LGBTQ issues increases understanding and cultivates acceptance of and respect for
LGBTQ children and youth; and
Whereas, Harassment and bullying policies that specifically mention sexual orientation, gender identity and gender
expression are associated with: students feeling more safe; lower levels of bullying; decreased incidents of harassment
related to sexual orientation; increased teacher/staff intervention; and a greater reporting of incidents; now therefore
be it
Resolved, That National PTA support current civil rights legislation[1], Department of Education guidance[2], and
Department of Justice guidance[3] regarding guidance and protecting all children and youth, and ensuring their equal
access to education; and be it further
Resolved, That National PTA seek and support legislation that specifically recognizes LGBTQ as a protected group and
addresses discrimination based upon sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; and be it further
Resolved, That National PTA encourage state, local units, and councils to re‘:ew school policies in regard to bullying and
support revisions and amendments to those policies that specifically address the topics of sexual orientation and gender
identification/expression as they relate to harassment and bullying; and be it further
Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations seek and support legislation that creates a safe, supportive
and accepting environment in schools, specifically with training for educators and other school related professionals to
support all students, updated health education standards that deal with the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity,
and gender expression; and be it further
Resolved, That National PTA work with the Department of Education to encourage states to incorporate standards
regarding age-appropriate, medically accurate and culturally sensitive information on LGBTQ issues into existing health
and other appropriate curricula.
[1] The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub.L. 88-352, 78 Stat. 241, enacted July 2, 1964)
[21 Dear Colleague Letter: Harassment and Bullying, Oct. 2010; Dear Colleague Letter: Key Policy Letters from the Education Secretary and Deputy Secretary, June
2011; and Question and Answer update to 2011 Dear Colleague Letter, April 2014.
[3] U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division: Defending the Rights of LGBT Americans, June 2014.