Education in the News: Talking about LGBTQ+ Identity in Schools

Presented by Derek Keith

Debates over education—what is included and what is excluded—seem more heated these days. New legislative measures across the country seek to regulate curriculum and discussion about LGBTQ+ identity in schools. Lawmakers along with parents and community members are also asserting more control over books children read in the classroom, including literature on LGBTQ+ experiences. Should they have sway in what is taught in schools? Do these laws and book bannings protect children, or are they harmful? What effects are these measures having on LGBTQ+ youth and families? How do we give parents and community members autonomy and honor the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth? Join us for a meaningful discussion about how LGBTQ+ identity gets expressed in schools.

The purpose of FRANK Talks is to encourage participants to weigh facts, provide the opportunity to put them in context, and consider different points of view. FRANK Talks inspire people to practice the skills of citizenship—to listen respectfully and engage thoughtfully on issues that affect our communities.

Frank Talks are provided by the Arizona Humanities and the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records.