The LCPS Board of Education is working to combat discrimination through a new policy that aims to improve gender inclusion.
Las Cruces Public Schools is taking steps towards greater gender inclusion and seeking new policies to prevent discrimination.
LCPS Assistant Superintendent Wendi Miller-Tomlinson presented the proposed guideline to the Education Committee for second reading and outlined how it will better support student safety, wellbeing and success.
“The purpose of the policy is twofold: to emphasize the board’s commitment and responsibility to promoting a non-discriminatory educational environment for all students regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” said Miller-Tomlinson. “Second, it must be ensured that the physical and mental safety of the students is a priority.”
The proposed policy also aims to provide staff with initial training and continuous professional development in order to provide staff with more tools to combat discrimination.
LCPS school council member Maria Flores says the policy is needed to clearly articulate behavioral expectations for students and staff.
“One of the things about gender politics is the level of discomfort it creates in the community. And the more uncomfortable this is, the greater the need for a specific gender policy, ”said Flores. “In a way, we educate our community. We speak out for our transgender citizens. We tell them we will not take it anymore and I just have a strong feeling that it is necessary. “
LCPS Board Member Teresa Tenorio says the current guidelines do not ensure that all LCPS students feel safe and understood.
“The guidelines that we have that are supposed to work are not working and they don’t feel like they are being seen,” said Tenorio. “And when they are seen, they do not feel understood and are mistreated. So politics has to change. “
While board members discussed an idea to consolidate a number of LCPS policies, many school board members discussed the need for an independent policy that focuses on gender inclusion.
Ray Jaramillo, president of the LCPS School Board, says a standalone policy sends a clear message to the community.
“I believe it should be a separate policy and I believe we should work towards making everything else co-ordinate,” Jaramillo said. “And I think this would be a great way to start 2022 and envision a new way of doing it. And a new way of doing this is to have a separate gender policy that says what our community says and what we stand for. “
A third reading and a possible vote on the policy are currently planned for January 4th.
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