Palm Beach County School Board Proclaims October LGBT History Month

On October 17, 2012, the Palm Beach County School Board in Florida unanimously issued a proclamation in support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month. The proclamation had the support of Superintendent E. Wayne Gent and was accepted by Dan Hall, gay activist and longtime Treasurer of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

In September, the School Board of Broward County, Florida was the first major school board to pass a resolution declaring its support of LGBT History Month. In early October, the Los Angeles Unified School District announced its collaboration in LGBT History Month. The Los Angeles, Broward, and Palm Beach County School Districts represent the nation’s second, sixth, and thirteenth largest, respectively, with a total of more than 1.2 million students.

LGBT History Month is coordinated by Equality Forum. Launched in 2006, LGBT History Month (www.lgbthistorymonth.com) features an LGBT Icon every day in October. For each Icon, there is a video, biography, bibliography, downloadable images and other educational resources.

"Previously, the LGBT community was the only minority not taught its history at home, in public schools or religious institutions," stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum, and founder of LGBT History Month. "The recognition of LGBT History Month by the Broward, Los Angeles and Palm Beach County school boards is a giant step in embracing LGBT inclusion and respect."

In 2010, the federal government recognized LGBT History Month when Secretary Arne Duncan led a U.S. Department of Education ceremony. In 2011, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi issued a proclamation for LGBT History Month.

"We are pleased that Superintendent Gent and the entire Palm Beach County School Board are taking this opportunity to recognize the contributions made by LGBT Americans,” said Rand Hoch, President and Founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.