HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-29-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday,August 29, 2023
Meeting Minutes
AGENDA:
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 6:16 PM
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Sara Cuthbertson, Chairperson
Deepika Sawhney, Vice-chair
Kathleen Lenihan, Clerk
Eileen Jay
Larry Freeman
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT
Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent
The minutes were taken by Julie Kaye, School Committee Meeting Recording Secretary.
The School Committee convened at the School Committee Meeting Room at Central Office and
remotely. Members of the public can view and participate in person or in the meeting webinar
from their computer or tablet by clicking on the link provided with the meeting agenda. Please
note that this meeting is being recorded, and that attendees are participating by video
conference. This evening's meeting is being broadcast live and also taped by LexMedia for
future on-demand viewing. All supporting materials that have been provided to members of
this body are available on the Town's website unless otherwise noted.
Ms. Cuthbertson read these remarks about some logistics of tonight's meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
Ms. Sawhney read the following consent agenda items:
• Payroll and Accounts Payable Warrant Approval
a. June 16, 2023 - Payroll in the amount of$6,802,211.67
b. June 23, 2023 - BMO Warrant in the amount of$66,248.16
c. June 23, 2023 -AP Warrant in the amount of$2,388,815.31
d. June 30, 2023 - Payroll in the amount of 42,398,166.77
e. June 30, 2023 - Payroll in the amount of$10,266,422.66
f. July 14, 2023 - Payroll in the amount of$1,201,698.60
g. July 14, 2023 - Payroll in the amount of$873,083.39
h. July 28, 2023 -AP Warrants in the amount of$1,604,472.01
i. July 28, 2023 - Payroll in the amount of$1,260,544.86
j. August 11, 2023 -AP Warrant in the amount of$587,690.87
k. August 11, 2023 - Payroll in the amount of$1,224,402.35
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
I. August 25, 2023 - BMO Warrant in the amount $44,486.02
m. August 25, 2023 - AP Warrant in the amount of$286,474.04
n. August 25, 2023 - Payroll in the amount of$940,785.77
Ms.Jay read the following consent agenda items:
• Minutes
a. June 13, 2023
Ms. Lenihan read the following consent agenda items:
• Field Trips
a. LHS 11th & 12th grade students Siena, Italy from April 13, 2024-April 20, 2024
Mr. Freeman made a motion to approve the entire consent agenda, Ms. Lenihan
seconded. Passed, 5-0.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Freeman had a great summer and it was a great first day of school and he and his children
are excited to be back. He is looking forward to a positive school year!
Ms. Lenihan reminded everyone to check out the Lexington High School (LHS) project website.
The first community School Building Committee meeting will be on September 14th, 2023. Ms.
Lenihan explained that she is the Clerk of the School Committee so she responds to emails. She
reminded everyone that she is responding on behalf of the School Committee but she cannot
actually talk to everybody on the School Committee because that would violate open meeting
laws. She believes that everyone that emails the School Committee has gotten a response.
Ms. Jay is excited to be starting a new school year, she hopes that everything went well for
everyone. She announced that yesterday we had an in-person Convocation with all staff in the
high school auditorium. The School Committee is grateful for every staff member and what they
do day in and day out for our students.
Ms. Sawhney gave a shout out to the Recreation Department, Facilities, and the Department of
Public Works (DPW). She explained that she walks her dog at Fiske and they have done a great
job of cleaning up, the school looks very inviting. On September 13, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
at Cary Hall there will be a public forum during the Ad Hoc Transportation Committee meeting,
where they will be discussing Lexpress. Ms. Sawhney congratulated all of the new faculty,
teachers, and educators who have joined us.
Ms. Cuthbertson attended the New Educator Orientation (NEO) last week with Ms. Sawhney.
She welcomed all of the new educators and thanked all of our returning educators. Ms.
Cuthbertson also attended the Convocation yesterday. She loved seeing all of the kids on stage
and thought it was a great way to start the day!
COMMUNITY SPEAK
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
Emir Roach - 78 Hancock St Lexington (on Zoom): He asked if there is any information
somewhere that we can access that talks about what went into the development of the [Serious
Talks] curriculum and how it evolved.
Amy Selinger- 197 Follen Road, Lexington (in person): "Tomorrow marks my family's very last
first day of school in LPS. My children and our family have enjoyed a robust, challenging, and
joyful education at Bowman, Clarke, and LHS. We are forever grateful. While I am proud of all
my children who accomplished academically, with the talent and support of the amazing faculty
and staff, the social-emotional growth they've experienced has been equally important to their
success as young adults. I am here to support the work LPS is doing in the Serious Talks
curriculum, a program my children experienced in an early iteration and one I am pleased to see
has grown. Quite simply put, I believe that this curriculum is critical for all young people and,
with each passing day, the news confirms that it's actually life-saving work. I was reminded of
this terrible truth when I learned about Laura Ann Carleton, the shop owner in California killed
just a few days ago for the act of flying a pride flag in front of her business. Terrible incidents
seem to stack up day after day. As an educator myself, who spent the majority of my 30-plus
year career teaching and working with high school students, our young people are constantly
looking to adults to make meaning of their identities and the world in which we all live. They are
paying attention and we need to do better. Please don't be a part of creating a dynamic of fear,
shame, and hate. Instead, join me in speaking up at this critical moment in our town and our
nation's history and support the Serious Talks curriculum and the world that our children will
create using the kindness, understanding, and sense of belonging they learn in our schools
through the age-appropriate and dynamic curriculum. Thank you."
Jennifer Burgin - 140 Lowell St, Arlington (in person): This is her thirtieth year teaching at
Diamond Middle School. She will be reading a statement from a high schooler who wishes to
remain anonymous: "Hi, when I was in sixth grade, I tried to take my own life. I am not from
here. I grew up in a small town elsewhere. This place didn't have the safe environment fostered
in Lexington's elementary schools. It didn't have Serious Talks or any lessons on acceptance and
tolerance. It did, however, have unadulterated intolerance, homophobia, and Christian "love"
As I grew, so did my hatred for the entire LGBTQ+ community, but I had a secret. A secret I didn't
want to believe. A secret I wanted more than anything to be alive. I knew that if I told people,
even my closest friends who I really was, they would attack me. So I kept my mouth shut.
Nobody really knew me and I pushed those who wanted to away so they couldn't. I knew they
wouldn't want to know the real me. In fourth grade, I left there and came to Lexington. I still felt
alone. I couldn't focus at school, my grades were horrible and I felt crushed. The point of all this
backstory is that I still had a chance. I was in fourth grade. I could have had a year and a half's
worth of comprehensive lessons teaching me that it was okay for me to be who I was. The
topics of the Serious Talks curriculum aims to include could have saved me. Instead, I almost
ended my life to avoid the truth. Over time with no help from this school system, I've learned to
love myself. Since sixth grade, I've become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the district. I've had
multiple one-on-one meetings with Superintendent Hackett and discussions with the Lexington
Human Rights Committee and now I'm exhausted. I've spent years working to better this place
so that no child has to go through what I did. And then I get this petition in the mail, a petition
trying to protect Lexington children from the education that I would have given anything for."
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
Christina Lin - 2 Eustis Street (in person): She is the chair of the Lexington Human Rights
Committee (LHRC) and she will be reading an abridged version of a statement the committee
approved by a vote of 6-0 last Wednesday (the full statement is on their website): "The
LHRC—in pursuit of its mission to uphold a community that is free from bigotry, hatred, and
intolerance—believes the Serious Talks curriculum aims for these same goals in our schools. We
support its implementation across all elementary schools. What we know is that discrimination
is often based on ideas rooted in falsehoods and stereotypes. It is through learning about the
diversity of human identities that helps us build the capacity for a community to be inclusive of
all its members. Our committee has the privilege of hosting and partnering on many programs
with town institutions, government, and community organizations to dispel harmful and divisive
myths that define unity. Similarly, we have advocated for an inclusive curriculum at LIPS because
every student deserves a school environment where they can enjoy a sense of belonging, and
safety, and build the confidence to self-advocate. We are blessed to live in a community where
different religions, physical abilities, languages, neurodiverse profiles, cultures, gender
identities, and family structures all converge across ten schools. Our children show us that these
are rich environments for friendship and bonding. Discussions about life, home, and family-- all
aspects of the human identity–are commonplace. Our schools are working to prepare students
to navigate this world by equipping them with skills for interacting with people of differing
identities. Also, it is important that schools support parents and caregivers when unfamiliar
concepts are introduced. We appreciate Dr. Hackett's stated intentions to increase
communication and support for parents seeking to better understand the Serious Talks. It is our
hope that genuine discourse between parents and the district will ultimately support the
inclusive environment we all seek. We have the power to build an inclusive community where
all residents, especially students, can feel that they belong. It does not come at the cost of who
we are as individuals. It grows our capacity for humanity. Thank you."
Dusk Savir- Student (in person): "Dear School Committee and the general LPS community, LPS
students and graduates wish to extend our support for the Serious Talks curriculum as it
currently exists. This curriculum is not only beneficial to our students in our community but
works towards Lexington's goal of diversity, equity and inclusion within our school system. The
petition to remove Serious Talks suggests that the curriculum is age-inappropriate, but in truth,
the Serious Talks curriculum introduces concepts like skin color, culture, religion, disability, and
gender identity in age-appropriate ways designed to meet our students' social-emotional
learning needs. Children learn about these concepts as they pertain to them and their
classmates, not as complex social issues with explicit content, but this curriculum has the
primary goal of teaching kindness and respect which are values the LPS staff and students alike
are proud to foster. We as students know that we experience better and more well-rounded
education when we learn in supportive environments where our stories are acknowledged.
Descriptions and goals of the Serious Talks curriculum have always been available to parents.
Our town openly values diversity and open-mindedness and these values are explicitly nurtured
in our public schools. Blocking out important social issues such as LGBTQ identity does not
prevent people from having said identities. We believe Serious Talks is a wonderful opportunity
to discuss these identities in a safe and respectful context as they are issues that will be
encountered. We see this attack on the Serious Talks curriculum not only as an attack on the
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
curriculum itself but as an attack on the idea of teaching diversity and kindness in our schools.
As community members who value compassion and inclusivity, we won't stand for this. We are
proud to stand with Dr. Hackett, the School Committee, and the Lexington Education Association
in affirming the Serious Talks curriculum. This is a shortened version of the letter signed by 173
LPS students and graduates. Thank you."
Andrew Harris -4 Grimes Road (in person): "I'm a non-binary father of an Estabrook first grader
and an educator with a background in social-emotional development in kids. Some people say
that this topic of gender identity is too complicated for six-year-olds to fathom, but this is not
the case. When I started using the term non-binary to describe myself, my daughter had already
encountered folks with non-binary identities. The first time the term came up was when I was
talking about a work colleague who uses they/them pronouns. I explained simply that my
colleague didn't think the word "boy" or the word "girl" described them well so they use a
different word, "non-binary." Pronouns, I told her, are words that we used to talk about
someone when we don't use their name. Like when I talk about mama, I say "I love her"; "her"
is her pronoun. Thanks to the lessons she has learned in school, I know that my six year old will
be first in line to make a trans or non-binary kid in her classroom feel welcome and help her
peers to figure things out. To kids it's not complicated. All you have to do is be accepting and
open and filled with love. Not every parent is well-equipped to discuss these topics with their
children. That is why we need teachers who are, especially in elementary school. Serious Talks
was developed by experts and based on research and provides a framework for teachers to
discuss important topics. I am grateful that we have it here in Lexington, thank you members of
the School Committee".
Ammie Jensen -44 Tyler Rd (on Zoom): "Today I am speaking on behalf of my family. I have a
seventh grader, a fifth grader, and a second grader and we are very much in acceptance of the
LGBTQ community. We have many people in our family who are a part of that community.
However, given the current Serious Talks that happened with my second grader while in first
grade, we are now having an identity crisis because there was no talk about the fact that girls
can be "tom-boys"; those girls can like things that are blue or green. It was the way the
curriculum was presented that I feel was not age-appropriate. And yes, I do believe that we
need to teach things about (Ammie's audio cut out). I feel like there needs to be a conversation
about the fact that girls and boys can like things, whether that's pink or blue and I think it needs
to be handled in a much better way. So I would like to know the national statistics on how many
places this curriculum has been taught and why LPS thinks that it is the best curriculum. I think
there needs to be a national study about this because I feel like at this age of first and second
graders, it is causing so great confusion. I feel like that, in turn, is going to do a disservice to our
children here in Lexington and cause more of a mental health crisis than the pandemic in
separating them from all the other children would. So I would like to see LIPS pick up a national
program or curriculum and show the statistics behind it and the longevity of what it actually
does to these children."
Rina Mazor- LHS faculty (in person): She has been teaching at LHS since 2007. "I'm here to
speak in support of the Serious Talks curriculum and the broader DEI curricula and other DEI
efforts that LPS has put in place over my 16 years here (17 as of yesterday). I am proud of and
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
impressed with how far we have come in our schools to provide a safe and productive learning
environment for all students. I have seen the school culture and LHS grow to be kinder, more
inclusive, and healthier due to this work. Our DEI efforts particularly under the leadership of
Julie Fenn and Johnny Cole have presented our students with honest, accurate, and
age-appropriate information about how to understand their own identities as well as those of
the people around them. Our students learn to care for themselves and others while celebrating
their differences. Students at LHS, according to the 2021 YRBS presentation "a special health
and safety risks with the disproportionately high rate of bullying and harassment, sexual contact
against their will, missing school due to not feeling safe, substance abuse, self-harm, suicide
ideation, suicide attempts, and other adverse outcomes." DEI curricula and efforts aimed at
greater representation for an understanding of this community literally make schools safer for
this at-risk population. As an openly queer teacher at LHS myself, I have spoken with many
LGBTQ+ students over my years here. I have personally heard them speak about the importance
of these efforts to them, and their wellbeing at our school. I am proud to teach in a school
system that promotes the acceptance of all identities in its culture, values, and curricula. Thank
you, Superintendent Hackett, members of the School Committee, fellow faculty and staff, and
the Lexington community for supporting this essential work"
Shannon Davis -42 Peacock Farm Road (in person): She has a son who has been in the school
district for 8 years now, he went to Bowman so she has experience with Serious Talks. "Serious
Talks is important because it teaches kids to talk about their differences and similarities and
that's not just LGBTQ, that's everything from being a child of immigrants, having two Dads, or
living with your grandparents. It could be having a different religion than other people in the
class or having a different skin color. And when they get to talk to each other about these things,
it helps them become more kind and respectful. You can't just remove one section of Serious
Talks because that's not fair. Everybody's differences and diversities need to be included and
discussed. Outside of Lexington, there are people who are killing each other over their
differences. I really value this community where we talk to each other openly, we accept each
other, and treat each other with kindness. So I would really like us to keep the Serious Talks
curriculum and I support the curriculum here. Thank you"
Amelia Settembre - 1430 Massachusetts Avenue (on Zoom): "I am a butch lesbian student at
LHS. I am actually a Senior this year and I would like to say that as a student, the Serious Talks
curriculum has been extremely helpful in sort of introducing what diverse identities are, not just
in the LGBTQ community, although I think this is one of the strong points of the Serious Talks
curriculum, but additionally, you see it in talking about race among other things. So I think one
of the main key points is that if you start off at a young enough level, kids have something
where if they don't know enough about something, they fear it. I mean that's pretty common,
think it's a pretty famous quote too, that you fear the unknown. What Serious Talks does is it
makes these things not unknown and it allows us to break down this type of fear. And what this
fear breeds if it's allowed to get to the higher levels, is it breeds prejudice and it becomes
dangerous, and those are things we do not want in our society. So even...by what Serious Talks
does is taking it down at the very lowest level to the younger children, saying "Hey look, people
are different sometimes and that is okay." I think that's a very important thing for us to have just
throughout the school system and you can even see it as you get to the high school level and
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
you see mature students who are able to interact with their peers and accept that not
everyone's the same all the time. And so, I just have to say that it would be pretty bad if we
were to lose this aspect that gives us a critical look into our community because it would lose
out on so many different perspectives" She went on to reinforce how Serious Talks is important
to her and others.
Sophia Ho - 1010 Waltham St. (in person): She lives in Brookhaven, a senior living community.
"57 years ago we moved to Lexington because of the good school systems. And after we settled
in, I went to the library looking for books about China, on China so I could read to my children.
Finally, I found one, when I opened the book I didn't know whether to cry or to laugh because
the illustrations were of people wearing long gowns and with the front half of their head shaved
with a braid in the back. That is typical of the Qing dynasty. China became a republic since 1912,
that book must have been written 100 years ago. But right now if you walk into Cary library,
you'll be surprised because we have large sections of Chinese books, on China, about China,
about history written by Chinese. That's because our direction is so forward-looking. After our
son went to Estabrook, he came home one day and said 'Mom, what are weT What do you
mean? 'Well, Mary is a protestant, Joe is Irish and David is Jewish. What are we?' So my mother
answered, 'We're Chinese." "No mom, we're not. We're Americans!' So kids have questions like
that, and where is better to learn it from a classroom?Today is my birthday, I'm 88 years old!
Sophia told her children that she cannot have a party today because she needs to be at a very
important meeting. She thanked the Superintendent, the School Committee, and the dedicated
teachers of Lexington.
Joshua Bulcao - 37 Eldred St (in person): "Serious Talks is great, right? Like every kid should feel
safe and included. The issue that I have is a sexual curriculum that's within Serious Talks. As an
example, this is a tweet from somebody who is within the Lexington school system; it says,
"fourth-grade students in Ms. Archibald's class could clearly articulate their gender identity and
why it's important to use nonbinary language when describing people we don't know." But then
there's sexual orientation, who we love and who we are attracted to and I just don't understand
why we have to have that conversation with six, seven, and eight-year-olds. Right? Maybe I'm
failing to see one. And we haven't come together as a community to discuss this, instead, if we
have a different opinion we are just tossed into this anti-LGBTQ bucket. Right? Cause that's
easier than just bringing everybody together to have a conversation about this curriculum which
is woven into ... So we don't know what's being taught to our kids. And in the Superintendent's
note, it clearly stated in here that "ultimately parents have the right to opt-out through
homeschooling" Section 32A explains that activities and materials designed to promote
tolerance and respect for individuals, including recognition of differences in sexual orientation
"without further instruction on the physical and sexual implications" do not trigger the notice
and opt-out provisions of Section 32A. Essentially, as a parent, I have the right to know what is
being taught to my kid. And if I don't like it, homeschool, and to me that is crazy. I want to know
the curriculum, get ahead of it, and read it to my son" Mr. Bulcao expressed further frustration
and thanked the School Committee.
Maureen Haviland -Teacher at LHS (on Zoom): She is going to finish reading the comment that
was started earlier by a Lexington high school student: "I ask the parents of Lexington to think
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
of the children you are trying to protect. Ask yourself, is your outdated ideology worth more
than their lives?Your vote against the teaching of tolerance today could very well cause the
death of an innocent child who just wanted to feel belonging. Whether it's your kid, or your
kid's best friend dealing with this, shouldn't they have access to information and empathy?
cannot stress this enough, the kids who are hurting or killing themselves over this can come
from any background. They can come from any race, gender, religion, anything. Straight A's or
straight F's. If you want your kids to stay kids, stay smiling, stay alive, support the Serious Talks
curriculum." Ms. Haviland continued with a comment from a different student: "At LHS, finding
my community was incredibly helpful and encouraging. We encourage kids to find what sports
and activities they like and socialize with people who share these common... why should this be
any different? School should prepare students for the real world and that includes opportunities
to find like-minded people. In the real world, gay people exist. Knowing that isn't going to turn
anyone gay, someone either is or isn't, and knowing there's another option might prompt a
realization, but it is always something innate to who the person is. I fervently believe it is crucial
that everyone knows they can be whoever they want to be. Stifling that information is nothing
less than a failure for the next generation."
Nicola Sykes - Co-chair of the PTA/PTO President's Council (on Zoom): She read a statement that
is supported by the President's Council of Bridge, Bowman, Diamond, Fiske, Harrington, Clarke,
Estabrook, Lexington High School, and Hastings: "We all support the LPS educators' efforts to
develop and implement curricula that promote inclusion no matter what the race, color, culture,
religion, or gender identity. We applaud our Lexington educators for their tireless commitment
to the well-being of every one of our students. Serious Talks is a key part of that commitment.
We're proud of our Lexington teachers and administrators for investing in the development of
cohesive curricula that teach our children the various visible and invisible identities we hold in
the communities to which we belong. These lessons explore important concepts such as what it
means to be inclusive and what negative stereotypes and biases are. The lessons promote
tolerance of all identities in the community to which we belong. This means the identities of
students, teachers, staff, parents, neighbors, business owners, and every other person who
makes our Lexington community such a special place to live. We understand that they are
members of our community with concerns. We're eager to be a bridge between all stakeholders
in the schools with the Superintendent and designated DEI community input team members
leading the dialogue. In signing the statement, we express our unified support of our educators
in their unwavering efforts to ensure the inclusion and well-being of all the various invisible and
visible identities within our community. Thank you."
Amy Morin and Robin Strizhak- Co-Presidents to the Lexington Education Association (in
person): August 23rd stated "LPS think that they can carry better than you, Mom and Dad. What
are you going to do about it? Do we think that we can parent better than you? No. But we
believe in creating a school community that is safe for all students and their families. We hope
that what you do about it is to support what we do and help us create a more accepting, loving
world and school community. We All Belong is one of the LPS core values. All, not some, not just
the ones that seem like me, all. To that end, learning acceptance and respect for any group of
people is essential in order to progress as a society. Gay people exist, trans people exist,
non-binary people exist. Your children have friends who may come from a family with two
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mothers or two fathers. Your children have friends who may have family members who identify
as non-binary. Perhaps your children have friends who identify as non-binary themselves.
Acknowledging the existence of human beings is not sexualizing children. Supportive schools
save lives. In public schools across the country, and among LGBTQ+ students, ninety percent
experience harassment in school, and nearly two-thirds report feeling unsafe. Thirty percent
report missing school, suicide ideation, and serious attempts are three to five times more likely
for those children. Those students who attend schools that are supportive and inclusive of
LGBTQ people enjoy a more positive school environment, report feeling safer in school, and
experience less harassment. Transgender, non-binary young people who feel that their identity
and pronouns are understood and respected reported lower rates of attempting suicide. That
should mean something to all of us. We thank the LPS leadership and School Committee for the
empathetic support of the Serious Talks curriculum. We steadfastly support our colleagues who
wrote the curriculum, our colleagues who teach the curriculum, our students and families who
benefited from this curriculum. Education is not indoctrination. No child is too young to learn
acceptance and others' right to exist."
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Hackett reviewed her Superintendent`s Report with the School Committee. The highlights
from her report include:
1. Congratulations and Celebrations
• New Employee Orientation (NEO)
• Opening Days of School
2. Important Back-to-School Information for Families
• Free School Lunch for ALL Massachusetts Students
• School Calendar, 2023-2024
3. School Building Committee Update
• There will be a meeting for the school community to learn more about the new
high school project on September 14, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in Battin Hall.
4. New Leaders Joining our Team
• Estabrook Assistant Principal - Dawn-Marie Ayles
• K-5 Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator-Aisha Banda
• K-12 Assistant Performing Arts Coordinator-Angela Carpenter
• 6-8 Science Department Head - Geetika Kaw
• LHS Interim Principal -Andrew Baker
• LHS Interim Associate Principal - Dan Melia
• LHS Interim Dean - Patrick Larkin
5. LPS Core Values Celebration
• October 24, 2023
6. Serious Talks Curriculum
• Dr. Hackett explained how she went to Estabrook in May of last school year, there
was a group of 6-8 people and 3-4 of those people had concerns about the
Serious Talks curriculum. There was a meeting in June to discuss Serious Talks
and about 40 people attended. She added the purpose of the presentation is to
bring people up to speed and answer questions.
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
PRESENTATION: Distruction-wide DEI Curriculum Update
Caitlin Ahern, Director of Elementary Education, Johnny Cole, Director of Equity and Student
Support, Julie Fenn, Assistant Coordinator of PE, Health and Wellness, and Katie O'Hare-Gibson,
Fiske Assistant Principal and K-5 DEI coordinator, presented the slideshow, Serious Talks and the
LPS DEI Curriculum. The purpose of the presentation was to give a brief timeline of the history
of the DEI curriculum, to give a more detailed understanding of why we do what we do, and to
discuss the next steps for DEI work in elementary schools.
The School Committee took a recess from 8:28 PM to 8:50 PM.
School Committee Questions/Comments:
Ms. Lenihan appreciated the timeline that shows that "LPS doesn't create curriculum by sticking
a couple of people in a back room for twenty minutes." The curriculum happens over a long
period of time with input from a wide variety of individual people and groups within and
outside of LPS. She also brought up the comment that Ms. Fenn said that you can't learn if you
don't feel safe.
Mr. Freeman said that he was emotional and felt sad during some of the slides. He stated that
the presentation seemed to flip between the DEI curriculum and Serious Talk which was hard
for him to follow. One thing that particularly stuck out to him was talking about race, this
seemed to be a little out of place. He would have liked to focus more on the questions that the
community has about Serious Talks.
Ms. Jay was moved by so much of this; she reflected on the importance of Dr. Hackett making
the DEI curriculum a goal. Ms. Jay stated that no matter what people's views are, the value of
inclusivity is really the theme here. She hopes that will come across to people in the community
and that is why we are doing this. Ms. Jay reflected on what Mr. Freeman said about people
having concerns about Serious Talks; she suggested adding something about how the myriad of
things we are trying to teach are intertwined. Mr. Cole replied that it's rolled into lessons, and
concepts of intersectionality are the focus. A staff member in the audience (Katie
O'Hare-Gibson) commented that Serious Talks is not a gender curriculum, gender is just one
aspect of identity that is talked about.
Ms. Sawhney loved what was said about the whole child because truly Lexington Public Schools
is doing everything for the whole child. She reflected back to when she went to Catholic school
in the 1970s, as a Sikh child, her parents worried about her turning Catholic. She also spoke
about how she was worried that her son would be bullied because he did not cut his hair. She
also heard that in the US, "girls don't do math" so she had that worry with her daughter. Ms.
Sawhney commented that parents, especially elementary school parents, have so much to
worry about. She stated that the Lexington Public School system has a thoughtful and
structured manner of dealing with these issues and LPS makes sure every child is well looked
after.
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
Ms. Cuthbertson spoke about how her second child would ask her many questions. That child
had Katie 0-Hare Gibson as a teacher and she gave the advice that it is okay to say "I don't know
the answer right now, can I get back to you?" It gives space for her to reach out to people who
have more experience in whatever topic her child has questions about. People have been asking
community questions for years, this is not a new thing, and this is based on really wanting
everyone to feel like they belong in LPS. Ms. Cuthbertson added that there will be people with
different practices and different values, that's the way the world is. But this topic is really about
making sure we are protecting lives. We talk so much about how great our test scores are and
how great our academic achievement is and that is true, but it has to do with the amount of
support our kids get because when children don't feel like they belong their brain can't let them
learn. Ms. Cuthbertson added that in 2018 she remembered the call-to-action for DEI and the
strategic plan. She explained that there was a full community participation process where
people could say what their shared community values are.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Integrated Building Design & Construction Policy-Tabled, vote at the next meeting.
B. LPS Wellness Policy Vote -Tabled, vote at next meeting.
COMMUNITY SPEAK
Hsing Min Sha - 35 Bartlett Ave (in person): "I'm supporting the people in the process behind
Serious Talks." He spoke about the process of the program and its importance. He read the
petition, the opposing side, and he did not see evidence that the process was broken. He added
that this process took over ten years.
Matthew Small (on Zoom): Counselor at Fiske, he read a statement that was written by a parent
who would like to remain anonymous: "I'm a Lexington resident and I have two children who
attended the public schools. I'm overwhelmingly in support of the Serious Talks curriculum.
When my gender-diverse child was in elementary school, the Serious Talks curriculum did not
exist. Although the administration, staff, and teachers tried to be supportive and helpful, they
were not prepared or given the tools to create a safe, supportive climate or learning
environment for my child. Had the Serious Talks curriculum been in place, the trajectory of our
child's education would have been completely different and we would not have had to find an
alternative schooling option outside of LPS. Lexington has a diverse population and I believe
that our community values that diversity. Families like ours who have a transgender child need
to be able to send their children to school without fear for their safety. We need a curriculum
that teaches our children acceptance, compassion, kindness, and respect for all their classmates
and those in our greater community. The curriculum teaches these important values. I am
saddened to be writing the statement anonymously due to the lack of understanding and a
great amount of different disinformation surrounding transgender children. It is unfortunately
unsafe for my family to make a public statement. Lexington can do better. All children deserve to
live and learn in a community that teaches acceptance. When one child thrives, our entire
community thrives."
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
Michael Sortor- 11 Hamblen St (in person): "My wife and I are parents of two recent graduates
of the Lexington Public Schools and we are strongly in support of the teaching of the Serious
Talks curriculum. Our children attended public school because we feel strongly that education is
not just about becoming proficient in science, math, and the arts. It's also about learning how to
live as a member of our community as a responsible citizen through exposing students to a
range of children and families from different walks of life. Lexington is culturally rich and full of
different viewpoints and ideas, but it also lacks some elements of the ethnic and socioeconomic
diversity that we have in eastern Massachusetts. Both of these aspects pose challenges to
teaching our children to accept and to celebrate the differences in the people they encounter
every day here at Lexington, and wherever else their lives take them. And we applaud that the
Lexington schools have deepened this curriculum to help all students develop an appreciation of
diversity, as part of becoming full members of society and everyone in our community benefits
from that. I speak also as a parent of two children who belong to groups that are represented in
the Serious Talks curriculum. One aspect of Lexington that we have always valued is that our
children have felt accepted and supported by their teachers, their friends, and other students.
This environment has allowed them to overcome their challenges to thrive in their lives during
and after high school. We will always be grateful to the Lexington community for empowering
them to build their lives to be as rich and rewarding as they are today."
Valerie Overton - 25 Emerson Gardens, Lexington (in person): "I'm here in support of the
Serious Talks curriculum. Fundamentally, I believe that every single child deserves an honest,
accurate, and inclusive education." She states that Serious Talks is one important piece of
education. "Children notice, they see the differences between themselves and others in schools
and elsewhere in their lives. And it's important for them to have a way to talk about those
differences, and understand those differences, and make meaning of those differences.
Constructively. Respectfully. Compassionately. So that they develop the skills to be able to
engage with each other." Ms. Overton thanked the Superintendent, the School Committee, and
our educators for the fabulous job that they have done with this curriculum.
Jeremie Bateman (in person): Jeremie is a counselor at LHS, he will be reading student
statements. First, he spoke to the students who have reached out over the last several weeks,
he said, "I hope what you have heard tonight is how much your community holds and supports
you in both the schools and in the wider community of Lexington." Mr. Bateman has heard
from students over and over again that they wish these conversations happened in elementary
school. One student says, "I first learned about the LGBTQ community when I was in fifth grade
and not only did it teach me about different identities and encourage me to be a more
empathetic person, but it sparked my own journey. I will not tolerate any bigotry against my
community. I will not tolerate hate." Another student writes "I'm trans and have never felt truly
accepted by the LPS system. I don't want younger children to go down the same path of
self-hatred and doubt that I did. We need to do better and protect trans youth" Another
student writes, "As a queer Asian-American girl who just graduated from LHS, I know that
having Serious Talks when I was in elementary school would have made my journey of
self-acceptance throughout childhood and adolescence a little easier. I hope that Serious Talks
can continue helping kids like me feel supported and loved for who they are." Another student
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
writes, "I am queer and biracial, but more importantly, I refuse to let Lexington become another
"not my child" hush town because we need to look at positive change and progress directly in
the eye and say yes."
Maliha Karim -4 Tidd Circle (on Zoom): She was very concerned about the Serious Talks
curriculum because of some of the agenda. She would like to clarify some of her, and other
opposing community member's views. "We're not talking about whether these topics should be
included in the curriculum, we're talking about when they should be included. I'm still not
convinced that some of our youngest kids are ready. I have a first grader and I think we should
work together on options for parents who, like me, feel that their kids are not ready and have
an opt-out option for us"
Amber Iqbal -49 Courtyard Place (in person): She thanked Dr. Hackett and the School
Committee for hosting this meeting so that both sides can be heard. "Lexington is a place where
everyone feels welcome and included and that should definitely be reflected in our schools as
well. The number of people I see in this room with opposing views to this curriculum shows that
not everyone is feeling a sense of inclusion, sadly. This issue can be potentially resolved if the
school board is ready to listen to some suggestions. Number one, instead of making this as part
of the curriculum, have this be taught as an elective or as an after-school program. Some kids
are not comfortable or their parents are not comfortable having them have this kind of
conversation, so make it as an elective. Secondly, an entire agenda of what the teacher will
discuss in this curriculum should be sent out to each parent at a weekly and monthly basis.
Because when it comes to inclusion, sadly a lot of parents that I have interviewed about this
particular curriculum were basically sad about parents not being included in what actually is
going to be taught in school. And keeping them in the dark about what is going to be included in
this curriculum. So that is something important, being very open and explicit about what it is.
And thirdly, children and parents should have the option to opt their kid out if they're not
comfortable reading their agenda, they are not comfortable having their kid be a part of that
particular class. So these are a few suggestions that the community came up with and we are
hoping that the School Committee today will come to a conclusion that is inclusive for all and
not with one side or the other. Thank you."
Deb Zucker- Laconia Street (in person): She has two children who have gone through the LIPS
system. She has statements to read but she would first like to make some statements on her
own behalf. "I think from folks who have concerns, I do hear the fear that parents can feel,
especially parents of elementary-aged students. There is kind of a current underlying all of this
fear is that if we talk about gender identity it will make our kids transgender and that is just not
true. I can no more make somebody transgender than you could make a transgender kid
cisgender. And so, I just want to acknowledge that and just say to the parents in the audience
and to the parents everywhere, I do feel your fear. But think about when your child, who is
maybe suffering from relentless gender dysphoria and the social stigma of being trans, it is
absolutely crushing. For your child, but also for you and a parent. Our inclination as parents is to
try to save our children from such things. But the problem with this approach is we are who we
are. No amount of denying our identity or trying to change it or delaying identities is going to
make a difference. It only makes the child feel a sense of rejection and it makes their dysphoria
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
much worse. I would propose to everyone that instead of pretending that transgender people
don't exist, let's lead with love and compassion, which is precisely what Serious Talks and the
DEI curriculum does. Let's break down the stigma so that if a child is struggling with gender
dysphoria they aren't so ashamed that they hold it inside while it slowly eats away at them.
Let's teach our kids to be kind and compassionate to others even if we don't always fully
understand. Thank you."
Zhechun Zhang- 3 Baker Ave (on Zoom): He has two suggestions, one suggestion is to make the
Serious Talks curriculum material available so all of the parents can read, have access, and
prepare their children. His second suggestion is that for future meetings like this if we have a lot
of community speakers, if they could be merged together.
Steve Altman -4 Heritage Drive (in person): Mr. Altman spoke about biological imperative. He
also states that if somebody identifies or is gay, they are gay. It is not something that can be
taught into you or taught out of you. He added, "If you look at CDC numbers where they have
percentage of children that identify as gay or not gay and then you look at statistics concerning
self-harm and things like suicide, to me, it's pretty clear that these are children that are more
unhappy than other children. I think that they're more unhappy because there's a lot of
dissonance in their life. That dissonance is a lack of approval by their parents or an active
counter by their parents or in their peer groups, other children are giving them a bad time. I
think this is not a question that children should be able to opt-out, or that their parents should
have them opt out of this type of program. It's important for all kids to learn this. And to learn
to be tolerant of other kids."
John Carney- 3 McKeever Drive (in person): He brought up today's Superintendent's report, Dr.
Hackett credits the DEI Community Input Team for providing curriculum recommendations. He
stated that there are a lot of people here tonight who oppose the Serious Talks curriculum. He
would like to know if anyone on the Community Input Team had reservations or opposed this
curriculum. "The process for selection of the Community Input Team was discriminatory, the
application included two questions. The first question asked which groups do you identify with,
and the second question asked about your views. Of the over 100 applicants, approximately 30
were selected by Johnny Cole to participate. I was one of the applicants that was not selected.
By design, the Community Input Team is an echo chamber that amplifies one ideology. While
excluding those with differing beliefs the team that is supposed to be focused on inclusion, was
formed by a process of exclusion. I ask that you release the community input applications, let
the public see for ourselves those voices that are magnified and those voices that are silenced"
He also mentioned that Dr. Hackett wrote that opting out is not an option, "instead she says
that you may opt out of the school system altogether. This doesn't sound like 'we all belong', it
sounds a lot more like 'my way or the highway'."
Jim Mars - 11 Bicentennial Drive (in person): He is here tonight on his behalf as well as
representing former Lexington graduates. He asked his children to "please review the attached
file and the two links I've included. And then think back to your elementary school years and
help me understand how you would or could have benefited from a change in the curriculum
being implemented." His daughter responded with the following, "Everything Lexington is
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
proposing is one of the many reasons we were considering pulling Jay out of public schools. My
bottom line message and perceptions are as follows. Our Serious Talks curriculum is being
scaled up before educating parents. As to the features and benefits, read the strategic plan, and
don't criticize your question motives until you do. Go to the Fairfax County Virginia school
website, use what you can use, and lose what you can't. Strongly reconsider the no opt-out
provision in a strategic plan. Chances are good that most parents will not pull the kids or take
advantage of the option and you will turn a criticism into a feature that will eliminate or soothe
naysayers." He will email the School Committee the full statement.
Lana Panasyuk- 28 Saddle Club Road (on Zoom): She has five children, two are adults who went
through the Lexington Public Schools, and her youngest is still in elementary school. She feels
strongly that her family was excluded and that there was a loss of communication. She does not
think that this was the intention of the School Committee but that that is how it seemed. "I
think that we should work together as a community and LPS to improve communication and
make the parents of elementary students be inclusive in the decision making."
Sam Sommers - 3 Watson Road, Lexington (in person): He is a parent of two children who have
gone through the LPS system, he is a college professor at Tufts University and he is a scientist
whose scholarship focuses on diversity and the psychology of racism and discrimination. He
enthusiastically supports the Serious Talks program. "I can't express enough my appreciation to
Dr. Hackett and the board for prioritizing these issues in our school system. We moved to this
town for the school system, as many people did, and we weren't disappointed. And a lot of
them you heard tonight from people affirming the importance of these programs." He
reiterated that you cannot learn if you do not feel safe. "We're doing all of our students a
disservice if we don't send them out into a multicultural and diverse world with an ability to
navigate these kinds of issues. To the folks who expressed concerns, I guess what I would say is
you wanted more information, and a lot was presented." He finished up by mentioning Julie
Fenn's data about the safety of our children.
Jennifer Roney- 16 Lillian Rd (in person): She is a parent of a high school student and three
older children who all went through LPS. "I just want to say my very strong support for Serious
Talks and for all the other ongoing efforts by our educators to create safe, respectful, and
productive learning environments for all of our kids. Public schools have a very lofty goal:
bringing together so many children from so many different identities, backgrounds, experiences,
and learning styles, and somehow helping each of them meet their potential. That can only
work when classrooms are spaces where every student feels safe, seen, respected, and ready to
learn. I learned from my own brief and rather misguided stint at the front of a high school math
classroom and from years of volunteering at Harrington, that spaces like that don't just
magically appear when the bell rings. They require very good teachers and they require arming
our students with the vocabulary and the tools that they need in order to understand each
other, to mediate conflicts, and to advocate for themselves and each other. I appreciate the
District's commitment to Serious Talks as one very important part of that effort. Creating a safe
inclusive, respectful, and constructive school environment for everyone isn't easy. Our YRBS
data implied that like many other school districts, we have lots of work still to do on that front.
But our children depend on our getting it right and not just our K-5 students but also our older
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
students as well" She thanked the School Committee and all of the LPS educators for their
commitment to this important work.
Sarah Higginbotham - 21 Byron Ave (in person): She has a son who is in eighth grade at Clarke
and she is very grateful to LPS for the holistic model of education. She has some statements
from students, the first wrote: "This is a matter related directly to the welfare and education of
the student body of the Lexington Public School System, which is an organization that I, as a
student, am an active member of. It is vital for each member of our community to actively play a
role in helping provide more wholesome and inclusive education to the students in order to
best prepare our students to go out into the world with the tools and knowledge necessary and
to make sure no student fails to find their success due to the lack of knowledge about their
identity. And the accountability to properly express themselves." Another student writes: "This
curriculum teaches respect, awareness, and acceptance. The issues discussed in Serious Talks
pertain to everyone in our community, whether it be through direct or indirect experience.
Whether you directly identify with these issues or not. Removing the Serious Talks does not
remove these societal issues, nor does it change people's identities. Now is the time to teach
this to cultivate awareness that the world is not perfect. That bigotry and bias and systemic
injustice prevail because our generation and the generation who comes after us and the
generation who comes after them will be the ones to change it. And that change starts with the
first level of our education. With curriculums like Serious Talks, this is the world, this is
humanity." Another student says: "We deserve a well-rounded education that affirms the
diverse identities of our school community. A safe learning environment, and safe learning
community require comprehensive and ongoing education on acceptance, diversity, equity, and
inclusion inside and outside of the classroom. Serious Talks and all other curricular DEI efforts
need to be expanded, not removed"
Lisah Rhodes (on Zoom): She is an elementary Digital Learning Coach for LPS, a Lexington
resident, and a proud parent of two Lexington high school graduates. She will be reading
statements from students who wish to remain anonymous: "This is a matter related directly to
the welfare and education of the student body of the Lexington Public School system, which is
an organization that I, as a student, am an active member of. It is vital for each member of our
community to actively play a role in helping provide a more wholesome and inclusive education
to the students" Ms. Cuthbertson interjected that this statement has already been read.
[Another student statement:] "Diversity education was so important to my development in
school, starting from Estabrook and throughout high school and was critical to my success in
college and as an adult. We are so privileged to have a diverse student body, and that should be
celebrated in schools by giving students a framework to approach their differences with the
current curriculum." Another student wrote: "We need to allow diversity, inclusion, and equity
to be taught from a young age, it is not forcing morals on children. It is allowing them to see and
accept the whole world, to have the choice to love all human beings, not to stereotype and
exclude those who are different from themselves" Finally, "These Serious Talks are absolutely
necessary and we should not even be considering removing them from our classes. This
curriculum is integral for helping students discover and accept themselves and for our
community as a whole to be more understanding and loving towards everyone" Thank you.
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
Meg Soens - 55 N. Hancock St (in person): All four of her children went through LPS, they are
now 29 and 26 (two sets of twins). She is here as a parent for one of them in particular, her child
figured out that they were transgender in sixth or seventh grade. Middle school and high school
were very difficult for him. She states, "Even though the schools were beginning to make
progress towards seeing people and naming people of different sexual orientations and gender
identities, but he would have so benefited from being able to see himself in a book before he
was 15. He would have benefited from seeing conversations when he was in elementary school,
kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. So I'm happy to hear that you intend to put this in
every school and not just the two or three that have started to work. His classmates would have
benefited as well. The statistics you've seen a little bit, but what I care about most is that 40% of
trans kids in the Lexington public high school in the year 2021 had considered suicide. We can
help mitigate these terrible risks for our kids by creating the school system which includes the
naming and the presence of the kids who we have here. My child is now happy. He has a great
partner and he has a good work life. I hardly dared to hope for that outcome when he was in
middle and high school because we were so worried he wouldn't get through it."
Avram Baskin -43 Carville Avenue, Lexington Massachusetts (in person): "I support the Serious
Talks curriculum. When my daughter was in preschool, she started a friendship with a girl who
had two moms. I have a friend whose son began transitioning in elementary school. We are
residents and our friends and neighbors, they are parents, they are students in our schools, they
are elderly people at our Senior Center. As much as the cancel Serious Talks supporters may
wish it, we can not ignore, deny, or hide this. Serious Talks was developed to ensure the health,
safety, and psychological well-being of all students. Our children and their families have a right
to feel accepted, safe, and welcome. I applaud the School Committee and administration for
standing your ground when it comes to the safety and well-being of children and families, there
is not a middle ground for compromise. And I will just add that my daughter was in Bowman
from 2009 to 2015, the period when Serious Talks was being developed. I'm sure all of the
parents who have fears about the nefarious negative impacts this can have on their students,
their children, Sarah's doing just fine, and your children will as well."
Jessie Steigerwald - 143 Cedar Street (in person): She is here to read a letter that has been
signed by 1,037 people who either live, teach, or go to school in Lexington. "In expressing the
support for the Serious Talks curriculum, we the undersigned affirm the importance of
recognizing all students and families in all our diversity across race and ethnicity, national origin,
language, faith, abilities, gender identity, romantic attraction, and other identities. Developed at
Bowman Elementary School, the Serious Talks curriculum has been in place for years.
Implementation is being expanded (thank goodness) to other elementary schools in Lexington.
Some people have raised concerns about what topics, especially gender identity, are discussed
at what ages, and whether the curriculum pushes a single point of view. Much of this concern is
rooted in misunderstanding and the influence of forces that seek to spread fear and
misinformation. We know that Lexington and Boston-based caregivers value community and the
safety of our students. Building understanding will bring us together in support of all students,
including those who now or might in the future, identify as LGBTQIA+ and those with family and
friends who so identify. Developmentally-aligned discussions with these topics already exist in
our elementary schools. Research shows that children begin recognizing differences between
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
genders well before kindergarten and preteen pressures are part of a typical elementary
development. I'll wrap up without completing the letter, I say again, 1,037 people have signed it,
and three more are on my way in to speak. And thank you for a very, very open, transparent
process"
Mabel Amar- 119 Simonds Road (in person): "Lexington school is excellent." She moved 3,000
miles from Sacramento to Lexington. She stated that we have to talk to our children when they
are young and at home. She read part of a poem by a Lebanese American, Kahlil Gibran, called
On Children. "Your children are not your children. They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your
thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls."
Heather Konar- 37 Grove St (on Zoom): She expressed her support for the Serious Talks
curriculum. "I have found the curriculum to dovetail beautifully with other elements that have
been baked into the curriculum such as emphasizing kindness. The children write about
kindness. Teachers warmly name it and call it out when they see it. Everyone is prompted to
think about how to be kind. It's a beautiful thing. Similarly, Serious Talks helps children develop
their awareness of our similarities and differences and pair the awareness with kindness and
empathy for others. I have found it to be perfectly suited to the ages of my kids. I have three
children at Estabrook, two of whom are trans. They were aware of their trans identities in
kindergarten. It's critically important for my children and for other children who have
backgrounds that may differ from the majority to be seen and accepted for who they are in all
of their intersecting identities. Being able to openly explore identity and differences with their
peers is essential to this process. To paraphrase Frederick Douglas, "It is easier to raise strong
children than to repair broken adults" Serious Talks can contribute to a strong foundation of
self-esteem and community orientation for all of our children. Thank you."
Grace Stevens - 314 Bedford St (in person): "I am a transgender woman. I have lived in
Lexington since 1977, 46 years. I'm also the father of three now adult children now in their
forties who were well educated through the Lexington school system in the mid-80s to 2001.
Today two of them have their own master's degrees in education and are teachers. Looking
back, I know the education they received gave them their ability and their love to learn. This has
certainly helped keep my family whole when I transitioned in 2011. A few years ago I published
a small book that contained guidelines on how to be human, one guideline is acceptance must
proceed with understanding. Understanding may lead to knowing, knowing is never complete.
I'm certain that my kids were lucky enough to learn this in the Lexington schools. And today the
curriculum Serious Talks appears to be the cornerstone of that. Serious conversations are not
exclusive to the acceptance of gender-varying people like me. And like me, who knew very early
in their lives exactly who they are. It teaches acceptance and awareness of all diversity and the
desire to understand. There were no serious conversations back in the fifties and sixties when I
was young. And I had no words to describe, it took me only 60 years to learn these words and
do something about it. Serious conversations teach acceptance that leads to understanding and
the first steps in knowing. I hope the kids in Lexington today will continue to get their education
that teaches them to love to learn. It's up to you"
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
Jodia Finnagan - 5 Keeler Farm Way (in person): "I think that I am the only black person to stand
up today. And I want to say I think being from a marginalized community means sharing with
other people who have been marginalized. If we don't all stand up together... [could not hear].
If you're not a white male, we can be in this together. That's how I look at it, all of our
marginalized communities should be standing up together."
Xiang Li - 133 Burlington Street (Email): "I am a Lexington resident of 10 years and my oldest kid
just graduated LHS. I have three parts to share today. First, we have one of the best and most
experienced groups of educators at Lexington. They educate, inspire, protect, and support our
kids in all the ways they can. The Serious Talks is a collective effort across the districts and for
years benefited many students and families. This organized questioning of their ability to handle
such serious and important topics age properly is not appropriately justified.
Second, I understand where the concern came from and I'm here to share my knowledge as the
parent of a transgender kid. Being transgender is not a choice, and kids don't become
transgender because they are given the freedom to. They were born this way, and they have to
live this way. More than 60% of transgender kids realize their trans identity before age 10. And it
is not a mental illness. It is not a mental illness unless they are not accepted by society. This
aligns with findings from major medical associations like the American Medical Association,
American Academy of Pediatrics, etc. As regards the Serious Talks, educating our children about
the existence of transgender/non-binary people won't turn or confuse our children into being
transgender/non-binary. Not educating our children on this topic will leave trans kids in an
environment of bullying and hatred because of their differences. Third, my son had an amazing
journey through the LIPS system. He has been a leader and role model wherever he goes. No
kids became transgender by interacting with him, but many kids' lives were changed because of
his leadership, his coaching, and the inspiration he brought. My son is an example of how kids
can thrive when they belong, and he happens to be an exceptional person. But transgender
children are just like nontransgender children. They came in different colors and personalities.
Each one of them deserves to be respected and loved equally. After my son came out to us,
every family member became a better person knowing more about love, courage, and kindness.
The teaching of Serious Talks will give the marginalized community a chance of survival and will
teach the rest of the kids to be better and happier people. I am so grateful to every member of
our Lexington community where my son feels and knows he belongs. I am deeply grateful and
proud of our Superintendent and School Committee who value diversity and inclusivity so that
every kid can thrive. I am especially grateful to our wonderful educators of LPS who truly made
the world a better place. Empathy through shared humanity undiminished by differences is
what defines modern civilization. I had never thought I would have a child of the LGBTQ group,
but I have always been an ally of marginalized communities, so I have no regret looking back.
Quoting Roman Rolland here: `There is only one true heroism in this world, to see the world as
it is, and to love it."'
POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Sawhney made a motion to adjourn at 10:15 PM, Mr. Lenihan seconded. Ms.
Cuthbertson took a roll call vote, passed 5-0.
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED
JK 8/29/23 -APPROVED