In March, the California Department of Education announced a new partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to provide resources to bolster support for LGBTQ youth in California.

“Many LGBTQ+ students — for too long — have failed to report issues of harassment and violence. This is unacceptable; it is vital we create the same opportunities for a quality public education in an environment that accepts all students for who they are,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “We are proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Office of Education to lead trainings that will provide our teachers with the critical resources they need to help California’s LGBTQ+ students.”

The CDE selected LACOE as the lead contractor to develop online cultural competency training courses for educators across California to help local educational agencies support LGBTQ students.

“If we want students to have a quality education, we must do everything possible to ensure a positive school climate,” said Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County superintendent. “LGBTQ+ students face unique challenges, and it’s imperative to implement social and emotional supports that foster healthy development so they can achieve their full potential.”

Since the adoption of Assembly Bill 493, the Safe and Supportive Schools Act, in 2019, the climate has only worsened for LGBTQ students, making these tools for teachers even more crucial. In 2019 and 2021 surveys, LGBTQ students reported higher levels of harassment and violence as well as higher levels of mental health issues including depression and suicidal thoughts.

In this urgent context, LACOE is collaborating with lead partner agency, the Equality California Institute, and an advisory committee composed of 20 nonprofit organizations, including the Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, to develop “PRISM: Providing Relevant, Inclusive Support That Matters for LGBTQ+ Students.”

The online training will include topics such as:

• Identifying LGBTQ youth who are subject to, or may be at risk of, bullying and lack of acceptance at home or in their communities
• Identifying local, community-based organizations that provide support to LGBTQ youth
• Providing information regarding school antibullying and harassment policies and complaint procedures
• Identifying local physical and mental health providers with experience in treating and supporting LGBTQ youth and forming peer support or affinity clubs and organizations

“I wholeheartedly believe that this is a critical moment in our journey towards establishing a truly inclusive and affirming educational system for our LGBTQ+ students,” said LACOE Board President James Cross. “It is our responsibility as allies and educational leaders to take proactive and intentional steps to create an environment where all students and families feel safe, welcomed, and seen. This includes implementing policies that promote equity and justice, providing comprehensive resources and support for LGBTQ+ students and families, and fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding within our schools. We must prioritize the well-being and success of all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and work tirelessly to build a more inclusive and positive future for our entire community.”

LACOE and the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education are currently spearheading efforts to improve equity, diversity and inclusion as well as a sense of belonging for students and education staff across LA County in alignment with their new 2022–25 Strategic Plan. These efforts, along with championing collective care and well-being, are essential to prepare the next generations of students for success.

An LGBTQ-inclusive education benefits the health and well-being of all students, and the PRISM project, which is expected to launch in June 2025, will foster acceptance and promote a positive school environment for LGBTQ students.