Rethinking Schools

Rethinking Schools:
Teaching the Fight for Queer Liberation
By Nick Palazzolo

link to my Rethinking Schools article

As a middle school nurse, the article "Teaching the Fight for Queer Liberation" really hits home. I see kids every day who are grappling with their identities, some quietly, some more openly. The article emphasizes that "all students, queer students in particular, deserve to encounter this history so that they might develop a fuller sense of self, examine how questions of gender and sexuality have shaped their present, and imagine where our society might go next." This isn't just about history class; it's about validating their existence. When students feel affirmed and understood, they're healthier, both mentally and physically. I’ve noticed that kids who feel a sense of belonging in school are less likely to come to my office with anxiety or stress-related physical symptoms like stomachaches. I never had a problem because I was always represented in curriculum content. However, this is not always true for LGBTQ and other minority kids.

This focus on teaching queer history and fostering inclusivity directly relates to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). DEI is all about creating environments where every student, regardless of their background or identity, feels safe, respected, and able to learn. When I have a student who is questioning their gender or sexuality, knowing that our school, in theory, supports DEI means I can confidently point them to resources or staff members who can provide affirming support. It's about recognizing the diverse needs of our student population and actively working to meet them.

However, the recent executive orders, such as last weeks "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing" reading, create a really challenging environment. The order states it is "the policy of the United States to protect the civil rights of all Americans and to promote individual initiative, excellence, and hard work." While that sounds good, the reality is that by "terminat[ing] all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and 'diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility' (DEIA) mandates," it chills the very efforts that create truly inclusive spaces. I worry that if DEI initiatives are seen as "radical and wasteful," my own school will shy away from discussions about queer history or even providing basic support for LGBTQ+ students, fearing backlash or loss of funding.

The article "Teaching the Fight for Queer Liberation" specifically highlights the countermovement we're seeing, noting that "today we are experiencing a countermovement in response to recent progress on gay rights." In my opinion this is precisely what these executive orders feel like – a deliberate attempt to roll back progress. As a nurse, my concern isn't political ideology; it's the day to day impact on my students. If we're not allowed to openly acknowledge and celebrate the diverse identities within our school, including queer identities, then we're sending a message to those students that their experiences don't matter or, worse, are not welcome. This can lead to increased mental health struggles, social isolation, and a feeling of being unsafe in a building that they are required to spend 6 hours a day in.

Ultimately, for me as a middle school nurse, fostering an inclusive environment isn't about being "radical"; it's about being compassionate and effective in my role. Understanding and supporting all of our students, including our queer students, truly is essential for their overall health and well-being. When we suppress conversations about queer history or dismantle DEI programs, we’re not just impacting curriculum; we’re directly impacting the physical and emotional safety of vulnerable young people. We need to remember that "All students...deserve to develop a fuller sense of self," and that means affirming who they are, not erasing it.

I included this graph from the Trevor Project. It compares the proportion of queer youth who experienced bullying in schools that are LGBTQ affirming with schools that are unaffirming. I think the numbers speak for themselves but I am interested to see what my classmates have to say...