Lee County School Board removes ‘LGBTQ History Month’ resolution from agenda

The Lee County School Board removed a resolution on LGBTQ History Month from its agenda after it sparked controversy.

The district is looking to make some changes to avoid conflict in the future.

During her days at Estero High School, Abby Reed noticed progress. “The attitudes of our staff definitely changed. People are a lot more accepting and there was a lot more of a welcoming environment.”

October is LGBTQ History Month, and Reed hoped this would be the year Lee County schools would choose to treat this month like it does February and Black History Month, but that didn’t happen after people objected.

“I really thought we were like kind of past that reaction to resolutions like that,” Reed said.

So the school board opened Monday’s workshop by announcing it would hold a separate workshop just on LGBTQ matters. They then debated how the board should handle all future resolutions.

“We need to make it clear exactly what the district is going to do to support that resolution, and what that action plan is and what it actually means for families and students in our community,” said school board member Melisa Giovannelli.

One proposal called for the board to consider resolutions at least one month before putting them on an agenda, and boil them down to a simple sentence.

“All those whereas whereas whereas, that after that third whereas, we’re losing the gist of what’s really going on with it,” said school board member Betsy Vaughn.

“I don’t think reading a blurb will be sufficient when a group comes to us, when they say read the resolution,” said school board member Chris Patricca.

Reed believes the school district missed an opportunity to reach LGBTQ students.

“That your identity is being seen and you’re being welcomed by everyone within the district.”

She hopes that next year will finally be the year.

School board chair Mary Fischer said Lee County schools are committed to promoting inclusion, equality and a safe environment where all are welcome. The board will consider all resolutions and the criteria during a meeting next month.