The parent of a queer middle school student in the district said her child had faced discrimination growing up. The woman said she was grateful for the commitment by the GUSD board in protecting LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Meanwhile, the furor outside the meeting could be heard even as speakers took their turns addressing the board. Police eventually installed a yellow wire barrier near the building’s entrance. Inside the meeting, the livestream went dark for a few minutes before school board President Nayiri Nahabedian said law enforcement would not allow new speakers to enter the building. People were also told not to leave the building for a short time.
Board meetings have been attended by protesters for the last several weeks, with anti-LGBTQ+ activists criticizing district staffers’ handling of LGBTQ+ material and policies. Glendale police said previous clashes had included shouting but no physical confrontations.