STATEMENT: JUMPSTART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH BY REAFFIRMING DEDICATION TO INCLUSIVITY
BOSTON — In honor of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Naila Bolus, Chief Executive Officer at Jumpstart for Young Children, released the following statement:
“As we begin the celebration of Pride Month, we are aware that some school district leaders and state legislators across the country are attempting to limit young people’s access to books and educational materials centering the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. Now, more than ever, it is important for children to see themselves and their families reflected in the books they read and the conversations they have with their teachers.
“Children learn best when they are given the opportunity to ask questions and think creatively and critically about the world around them, and this is the kind of environment that we promise to foster in our classrooms. Not only will our educators listen to these questions to ensure that children feel seen and heard, but they will encourage compassion and self-love and will affirm all families and identities.
“To our LGBTQIA+ parents, families, and educators – we see you. We will continue to celebrate diversity and representation in our classrooms to make sure every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
“When we show children that all people, regardless of their supposed differences, are valued, we show them that everyone deserves to feel welcomed and appreciated. Bigotry and hate have no place in our classrooms.”
ABOUT JUMPSTART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Jumpstart for Young Children is a national organization based in Boston advancing equitable early learning outcomes for young children in underserved communities through direct service programming and policy advocacy. Jumpstart’s proven evidence-based curriculum serves thousands of children across 15 states and Washington, D.C., and has trained over 60,000 college students and community volunteers to deliver high-quality early childhood education programming. Learn more at jstart.org and follow us on Twitter at @Jumpstartkids.
