School Board Advocacy - Rainbow Families

Rainbow Families School Board Advocacy

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) parents and prospective parents want the schools their children attend to be academically challenging and emotionally supportive. We want our children to attend schools that welcome them and their families, affirm their families in their curriculum and books, and work to support all students and families regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Rainbow Families encourages our parents and prospective parents to get engaged in their local school districts by learning about their school board members, attending school board meetings, and speaking up and advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusive schools that reflect the rich diversity of our communities. We have pulled together this website with links to local school districts and their members, included key policy information, and additional resources to help parents navigate their school districts.

Start Here

Our friends at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the School Board Integrity Project have partnered to develop “School Boards Matter: A Guide to Effectively Advocating at the School Board Level.” If you are new to advocating with your school district, this is a great resource to get you started.

Also check out HRC Welcoming School’s 2025 Back to School Resources.

Washington, DC

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) School Board
- Public Meetings: Typically 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 5:30 PM and typically held at 441 4th St. NW, Old Council Chambers
- Information on speaking at DCPS school board hearings
- LGBTQ+ Programming at DC Public Schools

Maryland

Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS)
- Public Meetings: Schedule varies, please check the website. Meetings are conducted in a hybrid format and available to stream online.
- Information on speaking at HCPSS school board hearings.
- LGBTQIA+ Youth at HCPSS

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
- Public Meetings: Schedule varies, please check the website. Meetings are typically held at 15 W. Gude Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850 and available to stream online,
- Information on speaking at public school board hearings.
- MCPS LGBTQ+ Information
Prince George’s County Public Schools

- Public Meetings: Schedule varies, please check the website. Meetings are typically held at 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 and available to stream online.
- Information on speaking at PGCPS school board hearings.
- Board Policy 0103 – Inclusive Environments for LGBTQIA+ People

Virginia

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
- Public Meetings: Schedule varies, please check the website. Meetings are typically held at 1340 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314 and available to stream online.
- Information on speaking at ACPS school board meetings.
- Joint Statement on Policies Affecting Transgender Students (7/20/2023)
Arlington Public Schools (APS)
- Public Meetings: Typically held twice a month on Thursdays at 7:00 PM, please see the website for dates, and are typically held at 2110 Washington Blvd. 2nd Floor, Arlington, VA 22204 and available to stream online.
- Information on speaking at APS school board meetings.
- LGBTQIA+ Resources at APS
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
- Public Meetings: Typically held twice a month at 7:00 PM, please see the website for dates, and are typically held at Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042. Meetings are also streamed online.
- Information on speaking at FCPS school board meetings.
- LGBTQIA+ Student Resources and Supports
- FCPS Pride: An Allied and LGBTQ+ Community for FCPS employees
Falls Church City Public Schools FCCPS
- Public Meetings: Typically held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Falls Church City Hall, 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046. Meetings are also streamed online.
- Information on speaking at FCCPS school board meetings.
- Joint Statement on Transgender Rights in FCCPS
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS)
- Public Meetings: Typically held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 4:30 PM and typically held at the School Board Meeting Room at the School Administration Building at 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148.
- Information on speaking at LCPS school board meetings.
- Resources for LGBTQ+ Students & Families
- Equality Loudon
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS)
- Public Meetings: Typically held on the first and third Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7:00 PM and typically held at Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Rd., Manassas, VA 20112. Meetings are also streamed online.
- Information on speaking at PWCS school board meetings.
- PWCS Policy 738 Nondiscrimination and Harassment of Students, Remains in Effect (8/17/2023)

Additional Resources for Parents on School Boards & School LGBTQ+ Inclusion Efforts

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Rainbow Families DC
5614 Connecticut Ave NW #309
Washington DC 20015-2604

P: 202-556-3743
E: info@rainbowfamilies.org

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