This morning, two OSI-Baltimore grantees who we work with to expand LGBTQ inclusion in schools and beyond spoke to OSI’s Leadership Council.
Jabari Lyles, the LGBTQ Affairs Liaison in Mayor Pugh’s office and chair of the board and former executive director of GLSEN Maryland, talked about the many challenges that LQBTQ students face in schools, including bullying, discrimination, disproportionate discipline, and lack of access to facilities that correspond to their gender identity. Mark Procopio, executive director of FreeState Justice, talked about the efforts of 40 trans students in Frederick County to push for landmark new policies there and his group’s 2018 victory in a Talbot County case.
Karen Webber, director of OSI’s Education and Youth Development program, opened up the session with an overview of the program’s 2019 plans, including continuing to implement restorative practices in Baltimore City Public Schools.
