AUSD's Commitment to LGBTQ+ Students & Families
In California, public schools are legally mandated to follow education code that supports LGBTQ+ students, and ensure that schools are safe and inclusive learning environments. AUSD policies and practices reflect both California education code and the District's focus on excellence and equity for all students. We strive to provide school communities that are safe, affirming and supportive.
AUSD Board Statement
The Alhambra Unified School District is steadfastly committed to creating safe, stable, nurturing, and welcoming environments for all students and staff; the District prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, immigration status, and other protected characteristics as outlined in its policies, ensuring inclusivity and equity across all educational programs and activities; the Alhambra Unified School District reflects the diverse population of the world and celebrates this diversity through daily educational experiences, honoring contributions from historically marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ communities.
For LGBTQ+ Students
It is our responsibility to:
Treat students equally, prevent and respond to reports of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. (AUSD Board Policy 5131.2; California Education Code Section 200-220)
Respect students' dress and behavior that does not conform to stereotypes associated with their gender, with respect to the student dress code. (California Education Code Section 221.5)
Provide LGBTQ-inclusive social studies, history and comprehensive sexual health education. (California Education Code Section 51204.5, and 51930-51939)
Refer students by the gender pronoun and name that fits their gender identity. (California Education Code Section 221.5)
Provide access to school activities, spaces such as locker rooms and restrooms, that fit with their gender identity. (California Education Code Section 221.5)
Implement and provide access to gender-neutral restrooms, dress code policies, and classroom practices. (AUSD Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Student Policy)
Provide students opportunities to speak out about LGBTQ issues, including wearing LGBTQ-affirming t-shirts, stickers and bracelets, and access information about LGBTQ issues on school computers, and to bring same-gender dates to prom. (California Education Code Sections 48907 & 48950)
Support the formation of Genders & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) clubs or similar LGBTQ-related student clubs. (Federal Equal Access Act; California Education Code Section 220)
Respect student’s individual choice to be "out" and be themselves at school, and seek their permission of when and to whom staff can discuss their LGBTQ identity. (AUSD Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Student Policy)
Recognize student’s consent to sensitive LGBTQ or sexual health-related services without seeking permission from caregiver/parent, if they are age 12 or older. (California Health and Safety Code 124260; SB 543; California Family Code 6924)
Resources and Supports
Students
Positive environments are important to help all youth thrive. However, the health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth can differ from their heterosexual peers. This section shares resources from government agencies and community organizations for LGBTQ+ youth, their friends, educators, parents and family members to support positive environments. It is critical for parents, guardians and other family members of LGBTQ+ youth to have access to the resources they need to ensure their LGBTQ+ children are protected and supported.
ALL STAFF
Gender & Sexual Identity | Learning for Justice
Learn for Justice provides free educational resources—articles, guides, lessons, films, webinars, frameworks and more—help foster shared learning and reflection for educators, young people, caregivers and all community members. These resources can help educators shape inclusive policies and empower vulnerable students.Advocates for Youth (AFY): LGBTQ Resources for Professionals
Lesson plans, tips and strategies, background information, and additional resources to help youth-serving professionals create safe space for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.American Psychological Association (APA) Resources
Healthy Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Students Project
The APA Safe and Supportive Schools Project promotes safe and supportive environments to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among adolescents.Just the Facts: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel
Just the Facts provides information and resources for principals, educators and school personnel who confront sensitive issues involving gay, lesbian and bisexual students.Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Accurate information for those who want to better understand sexual orientation.
Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case That Made History: Teaching materials for educators
“Bullied” is a documentary film designed to help administrators, teachers and counselors create a safer school environment for all students, not just those who are gay and lesbian.Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Educator Resources
GLSEN educator guides and lessons to support your curriculum and practices.Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) Network
GSA clubs are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities.National Alliance to End Homelessness: Serving LGBT Homeless Youth
To end LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, youth and young adults need stable housing, supportive connections to caring adults, and access to mainstream services that will place them on a path to long-term success.
National Education Association: LGBTQ+ Resources for Educators
A resource page designed to provide educators with LGBTQ+ information, tools and resources.The Trevor Project: Education and Resources for Adults
The Trevor Project’s “Trainings for Professionals” include in-person Ally and CARE training designed for adults who work with youth. These trainings help counselors, educators, administrators, school nurses, and social workers discuss LGBTQ-competent suicide prevention.
FAMILIES
Advocates for Youth (AFY): Are you an Askable Parent?
AFY provides lesson plans, tips and strategies, background information, and additional resources to help youth-serving professionals create safe spaces for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.The Family Acceptance Project
The Family Acceptance Project is a research, intervention, education, and policy initiative that works to prevent health and mental health risks for LGBTQ+ children and youth.HealthyChildren.org: Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBT Teens
“Coming out” is a lifelong journey of understanding, acknowledging and sharing one’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation with others.Kidshealth.org: Sexual Attraction and Orientation
Information for parents on how youth experience sexual attraction and orientation, as well as how you as a parent or guardian may feel about and deal with youth on this topic.
StopBullying.gov: Information for Parents
Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. If you know or suspect that your child is involved in bullying, here are several resources that may help.
What Should You Report?
You can help save lives by reporting observed threats, behaviors, actions, and harassment. Here are examples of some of the most common behaviors and incidents to report:
Acts of violence, with or without weapons
Verbal or physical abuse, assault or harassment
Sexual abuse, assault or harassment
Threats seen on social media
Bullying, fighting, harassment or intimidating behaviors
Bragging about weapons or a planned attack
Depression, anxiety or loss of self-control
Hopelessness, excessive guilt or worthlessness
Reckless behavior, theft and petty crimes
Social isolation or withdrawal
Substance or alcohol abuse
Suicide threats, cutting or other self-harm
Any other troubling situation or behavior
KEY DISTRICT CONTACTS
AUSD List of Schools and Principals
AUSD Student Support Services | 626-943-3410
Provides resources and programs, including counseling and family resources to support the academic, social, emotional and behavioral success of students and their families.
Lindsey K. Ma, Assistant Superintendent - Student Support Services
Vivian Tse, Executive Secretary II (626)-943-3410
James T. Schofield, Director I - Student Support Services
Daniela Gonzalez, Executive Secretary I (626)-943-3460
Gio V. Celis, Executive Secretary I (626)-943-3460
Catalina Lara-Carlin, Administrative Secretary (626) 943-3440
