NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos Commits to Continued Support for LGBTQ+ Students
New York City Public Schools is reinforcing its commitment to LGBTQ+ students, ensuring they have a safe and welcoming environment, in light of executive orders from the Trump administration. In a recent letter that was sent home on Monday to families of New York City Public school students, Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos emphasized the district’s ongoing efforts to provide a space where all students can thrive without fear of discrimination, harassment, or bullying. It was a confirmation many parents of LGBTQ+ students had been waiting for since executive orders were signed.
“I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our support for our students who identify as LGBTQ+. At New York City Public Schools, we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students—one that is free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying, wrote Aviles-Ramos. “As I recently shared with over 1,000 students and staff attending our seventh annual Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Summit, at New York City Public Schools, we see you, we support you, and we value you.”
Psst… Meet New NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Stronger Policies and Support for Gender Inclusion
Aviles-Ramos reassured families that the district’s policies supporting LGBTQ+ students are stronger than ever, including updated guidelines on gender inclusion. These guidelines are available for anyone to review on the NYC Public Schools website, ensuring transparency and clear support for gender diversity in schools.
In the letter, the Schools Chancellor pointed families to the city’s guidelines on gender, which include rules like staff using students’ preferred pronouns at school. The guidelines also give schools the option to keep a student’s social transition private from parents if the family doesn’t accept their gender identity. Students can also join sports teams and use bathrooms that match their gender identity.
The district also offers a variety of resources for LGBTQ+ students, including GSA student clubs, the Hidden Voices curriculum that highlights impactful LGBTQ+ individuals, and a number of programs aimed at fostering inclusivity. Hidden Voices showcases the stories of LGBTQ+ people who have made a difference both locally and globally.
Last week, the Education Department also reposted a series of LGBTQ+ history videos made with WNET, the local PBS affiliate, after those videos were taken down from the network’s website. The videos are part of the city’s “Hidden Voices” curriculum.
Aviles-Ramos Stresses the Physical and Emotional Safety of Every Child
The Chancellor’s letter also touched on the importance of mental health. The district ensures that every student has access to school-based mental health clinics, counselors, and community partnerships that provide emotional support. Aviles-Ramos emphasized that mental health resources are available to all students, reinforcing the district’s dedication to supporting students’ well-being.
Aviles-Ramos thanked families for helping create and maintain safe and inclusive school environments, emphasizing the important role they play in supporting the district’s efforts. Despite the current political climate, New York City Public Schools continues to lead the way in creating a space where all students feel safe, supported, and valued, regardless of their identity.
At the core of the Chancellor’s message is a strong commitment to the safety and wellness of each student. “I encourage you to visit our New York City Public Schools website to learn more, and please reach out to LGBTQ@schools.nyc.gov with questions,” Aviles-Ramos concluded. “One of my commitments as Chancellor is to ensure the safety and wellness of our students and school communities—specifically, the physical and emotional safety of every child. We thank you for helping us maintain safe and inclusive environments in our schools.”
Psst… Check Out Resources for LGBTQ Youth and Families in NYC
