Loudoun school board urges students to celebrate LGBTQ+ history in new proclamation
Loudoun County Public Schools is defending its decision to recognize October as LGBTQ+ History Month, telling Fox News Digital that the school board proclamation imposes "no requirements" on students, even as the document encourages the school community to "honor and celebrate" LGBTQ+ history and contributions throughout the school year.In a statement to Fox News Digital, Loudoun County Public Schools said that the proclamation is a school board proclamation and that there are no requirements for students.The proclamation promises an "affirming" environment and rejects discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and gender expression, raising questions about how the district’s language aligns with parents who object to schools promoting contested views about sex and gender.WASHINGTON FATHER SUES SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR DENYING RELIGIOUS OPT-OUT FOR 5TH GRADER FROM LGBTQ INSTRUCTIONA woman holds a sign as Loudoun County School Board members vote to enact Policy 8040 during a school board meeting at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building on Aug.11, 2021, in Ashburn, Va.
(Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)The proclamation reads in part, "Now, be it resolved that the Loudoun County School Board recognizes October 2026 as LGBTQ+ History Month in Loudoun County Public Schools, and encourages staff, students and the community to honor and celebrate the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the Commonwealth of Virginia, our beautifully diverse county, and our schools during LGBTQ+ History Month and throughout the school year."The proclamation also says that LCPS is "committed to fostering equity and belonging, ensuring students and staff members are welcomed into a safe, supportive, inclusive and affirming environment," and that it rejects "discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation or gender expression, and instead affirms kindness, acceptance and respect as the foundation of our learni...