School districts nationwide are facing increased concerns over giving voice, protection, and resources to their LGBTQIA students, and staff. Recent events in Newark serve to highlight that concern, here, as well. The Newark Teacher’s Union has taken notice.

At this time in America, we have a president who calls “value voters”, anti-gay religious associations, friends. He has removed federal protections from LGBTQIA workers and his justice department constructed a legal argument that would legally enshrine discrimination into the American system. In the face of such adversity, we need to come together, with our heterosexual cisgender allies, and stand united.

The Newark Teacher’s Union is building a LGBTQIA committee/network to address issues within Newark Public Schools. We are calling on LGBTQIA members, along with our allies, to band together and address the concerns of our members and the students we serve.