Safe Schools Champion
The HRC Safe Schools Champion distinction helps voters identify school board candidates who have pledged to support safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools for all students, including LGBTQ+ youth.
Candidates who receive the distinction commit to advancing equitable policies, promoting student well-being, and fostering respect and belonging throughout their school communities.
The distinction is not an endorsement by the Human Rights Campaign; it indicates that a candidate has publicly pledged to help create schools where every student can learn, belong, and thrive.
The Pledge
Becoming an HRC Safe Schools Champion reflects a commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff through thoughtful governance, inclusive policies, and informed leadership.
Champions also complete HRC’s e-learning course to strengthen their understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and help ensure every student can learn and thrive in a safe, welcoming school environment.
Safe Schools Champion Commitments
- Adopt and regularly review policies and procedures that enumerate protections for LGBTQ+ students and staff.
- Ensure policies are applied consistently across settings, including classrooms, athletics, transportation, and virtual environments.
- Prioritize ongoing professional learning on inclusive practices, bias recognition, and supportive supervision.
- Create a workplace culture where staff feel supported in being open about their identities, if they choose, and establish clear expectations that every employee is treated with dignity and respect.
- Proactively correct misinformation that undermines student safety and well-being.
- Recognize and elevate staff leadership in building inclusive school climates, including advisory groups and initiatives.
- Establish transparent, criteria-based processes for reviewing instructional materials and library resources.
- Vote against book bans and restrictions that disproportionately target LGBTQ+ people, families, or topics.
Carly Anderson
She/Her
Minnesota | Lakeville Area Schools Board of Education
Richard Barrera
He/Him
California | State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Stacy Boyce
She/Her
California | Visalia School Board, Trustee Area 1
John Casselberry Jr
He/Him
California | Stanislaus Union School Board
Linda Cavazos
She/Her
Nevada | Clark County Board of Education
Markus Ceniceros
He/Him
Arizona | Littleton Elementary School District Governing Board
Angie Gallo
She/Her
Florida | Orange County School Board Chair
Micheal Garza
He/Him
Georgia | Cobb County School Board, Post 4
Dana Johnson
They/Them
California | San Mateo County Board of Education, Area 2
Omar Lazo
He/Him
Maryland | Montgomery County School Board
Jamie McGonnigal
He/They
Maryland | Prince George’s School Board, District 3
Jessica Olstad
She/Her
Minnesota | Prior Lake-Savege Area Schools Board of Education
Karen Perez
She/Her
Florida | Hillsborough County School Board, District 6
Becky Sayler
She/Her
Georgia | Cobb County Board of Education, Post 2
Ryan Schavrien
He/Him
California | Redlands School Board, Trustee Area 2
Tyler Swanson
He/Him
North Carolina | Wake County Board of Education, District 9
Amber Thompson
She/Her
California | Ventura Unified School District Board of Education, District 4
Michael Vargas
He/Him
California | Elk Grove School Board, Trustee Area 2
Nancy Young
She/Her
California | Murrieta Valley School Board, Trustee Area 2
Brenda Zamora
She/Her
Nevada | Clark County School District Board of Trustees, District D
