To the Los Alamos School Board candidates:

I was disappointed to learn recently that several candidates will not be attending the League of Women Voters’ forum on Oct. 6.  I had hoped to pose a particular question so that I and other interested voters could hear the response from all candidates.  Since that will no longer be possible, I am submitting this letter with the hopes that candidates will provide their answer in the comments on our newspapers’ Facebook pages.

I teach at Topper Freshman Academy and Los Alamos High School and am one of the sponsors of our Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA, formerly Gay-Straight Alliance).  However, I do not write this letter in an official capacity, but rather as a parent, community member, and concerned voter.

In addition to the GSA, which was started in the early 2000s, and a non-discrimination statement that has evolved to include gender identity and sexual orientation, the district has added several new programs and policies to support LGBTQ+ student in the past few years.  These include the Safe Spaces Initiative at all school sites, the adoption of a policy specifically addressing the rights of transgender students, and a club at the middle school.  What changes or additions would you like to see?

I look forward to reading your responses.
Sincerely,
Melissa Goldman