E3 Civic High School is a special chartered school within the new downtown library; they have about 350 young students from 14-16 years of age. About 55 percent are Latino, 24 percent African American, 14 percent Caucasian and about 10 percent LGBT teens. 70 percent live below the poverty line and this school has only been open for about a year and a half.
Last Wednesday, a transgender boy committed suicide and on this day about 30 LGBT students, friends and about four parents showed up at E3 Civic High School’s monthly school board meeting. They confronted its members about their concerns and complaints as LGBT students and leveled many strong accusations including discrimination, “unsafe environment” and censorship. This included complaints on how their Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) “Spectrum” was being handled by the school administration. In fact, the local ACLU had sent the high school two letters concerning the student complaints and about a possible lawsuit.
LGBT activist Blue Montana and I attended a school board meeting last Wednesday. It was heartbreaking to hear student after student speak out of their pain and how they felt mistreated. Two parents also spoke out, one talking about her lesbian daughters attempted suicide. Many were in tears and it was very emotional for me to listen to these students talk about their personal pain, feelings and difficulties. Their GSA Chapter, “Spectrum” was having difficulties raising funds so I immediately committed $1,500.00 for the LGBT teens from the Imperial Court/Center’s “Eddie Colon Youth Fund.” (Thank you Martini’s on Fourth). I immediately notified Councilman Todd Gloria and Dr. Delores Jacobs (The Center’s executive director) about the LGBT teens and the school board meeting. I personally talked to some of the students and got copies of their statements to the board.
Although it was very difficult, and yes, heartbreaking, to have heard these students’ painful stories, I was so very proud that they were so brave to speak out and organize themselves almost 30 strong.
Since the meeting, last Wednesday I have had many discussions with this high school’s faculty, administration, parents and students. I believe that these LGBT students had their voice heard loud and clear.
Actions and changes are being put into immediate effort. I had about a two hour meeting with prominent civic leader, Mel Katz (School Board president) and Dr. Helen Griffith (principal and executive director). They have also met with Dr. Jacobs, ACLU Officials, parents, LGBT students and “Spectrum” members.
Because this includes a public school, underage students and some privacy issues, I cannot make public all aspects of this situation. All I can say and will is that the members of “Spectrum” and those LGBT students and parents were so brave to speak out and communicate their concerns and feelings. I also strongly believe that Mr. Katz and Dr. Griffith heard you loud and clear, and everyone is on the right track to make E3 Civic High one of the best and most welcoming of all students in San Diego County. I will continue to assist in any way I can and look forward to presenting the $1,500.00 check to their GSA Chapter “Spectrum”.
San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force announced
Last week a press conference was held to announce the members of the San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force which include: Terry Cunningham (past director, County Office of HIV/AIDS), Rabbi Laurie Coskey, former State Assemblywoman Tricia Hunter, President of the American Nurses Association Dr. Jay Sheehan of SDSU, Jimmy Ramsey (HIV/AIDS Activist), Dr. Daniel Lee (Owen Clinic), Carolina Ramos (Latino Services), Rev. Penny Bridges (St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral), Jim Cassidy (Military Partners Association), Ben F. Dillingham (former chief of staff, Mayor O’Connor and past president AIDS Foundation), Dr. Delores Jacobs (CEO, The San Diego LGBT Community Center), Jeff Marston (former State Assemblyman), Diana Schmid (former director of AIDS Healthcare Foundation), Shannon Wagner (executive director, Being Alive), Carol Norman (Black Nurses Association and past chair of the HIV/AIDS Planning Council), Jim Lennox (Pacific Events).
Katherine Stuart Faulconer, the first lady of San Diego, has the honor of being co-chair of the Task Force. Well over 8,000 men, women and children have died of AIDS in San Diego County. We must never forget them. We never will.
