Statement from D20 Superintendent Pretto

Statement from District 20 Superintendent, Dr. David Pretto, referring to May 2024 CEC meeting and the DOE zero tolerance policy for bias and discrimination against the LGBTQIA community .

The safety and well-being of every student and staff member is my number one priority. Regarding concerns about inappropriate public comments made by several meeting visitors at the May CEC20 meeting, District 20 and New York City Public Schools has a zero-tolerance policy for bias and discrimination against the LGBTQIA community, and we reject all forms of hate. Hateful rhetoric towards any group has no place in our schools or amongst our parent leaders.

Our goal and our responsibility is to ensure every single child feels safe and welcomed in our schools. This includes our transgender youth. District 20 stands strongly behind the NYCPS 2019 gender guidelines. All students have the right to have their gender, gender identity, and gender expression recognized and respected.