LETTER: Students need access to safe spaces

Igniting Student Potential: this is the phrase that Rio Rancho Public Schools includes in communication from the district. I question if the school board is actually following though with this sentiment when current policy allows for discrimination of a group of at-risk students.

I believe as a community we need to define potential through honoring a young person's ability to explore their developing self without fear or persecution. Too many of your young adults live in school environments that are outright hostile to them. We need to ensure that they have access to safe spaces that clearly meet the needs they have. When seeking support, the child needs clear information that helps them explicitly understand what to expect from that trusted adult.

My children have either witnessed or experienced bullying and discrimination while attending RRPS, related to sexual orientation or neurodiversity. My older children were able to locate a safe adult easily while attending school because there were teachers who had Safe Space signs that clearly stated that the faculty within that room would be safe to discuss the concerns related to sexual orientation. My youngest child is a current student and has the school logo signs available. She does not know that these signs are part of the support system that she needed when she dealt with a situation at school last year. We have a transgender individual in our family. Last year, a conversation initiated by students began discussing in pejorative terms people who are transgender. My child was upset and shut down immediately. She has been taught through our family and allyship that rainbow flags indicate safe and positive people. These signs are lacking in our schools. This takes away a critical part of the support system needed by students who have need of support.

Studies have shown over and over that children and adolescents who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community are at greater risk for isolation, depression and suicide. We cannot Ignite Student Potential if we demand that they exist in the shadows. If we as a community don’t shine the light on their beauty and wholeness just as they are, how can we ask them to grow and thrive? Our educational goal as a community is develop intelligent, well-rounded, healthy individuals who stay in Rio Rancho and contribute to our future. If we allow one group to be isolated and persecuted, how can we claim to ignite the potential of all?

Please reconsider the policy banning use of rainbow safe space signs in our schools.

Sincerely,

Melissa Lawrence

Rio Rancho