Congresswoman Simon Introduces the “Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools” Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) joined Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA-41) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) to introduce the “Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative” resolution. This resolution calls for equal education opportunity, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, particularly LGBTQI+ young people in K-12 schools.

“Every child deserves the chance to play, learn, and belong at school–no exceptions,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As attacks on and discriminatory policies towards the LGBTQI+ community increase, it’s critical we act to protect students. Our resolution calls for equal education opportunities and basic civil rights protections in schools for all students. To put it simply–this resolution is about ensuring all kids can fully participate in their education, extracurriculars and future. Schools should open doors, not close them.”  

This resolution is supported by GLSEN, a national LGBTQI+ advocacy group, and coincides with GLSEN’s National Day of (No) Silence, a day of advocacy on April 4 to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQI+ people in schools.

As the Trump Administration and House Republicans advance an anti-LGBTQI+ agenda, Congresswoman Simon is committed to protecting and advocating for the LGBTQI+ community in Congress. Congresswoman Simon recently urged the President to rescind his ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth and voted against legislation that would ban trans youth from playing sports.

Congresswoman Simon has been a lifelong advocate for the LGBTQI+ community. She began her career at the Young Women’s Freedom Center, supporting young women and non-binary and trans youth involved with the criminal justice and foster care systems.

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