The undersigned City Councilors (and mayor) wish to state our support for the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender students in the Newton Public Schools. We are grateful that in 2024 the School Committee formally adopted its Guidance on the Basis of Gender Identity, aligning existing NPS policies, to be consistent with state law providing for non-discrimination based on gender identity.

We affirm that transgender students are not a threat to their fellow students, inside or outside of restrooms. On the contrary, they are often among the most vulnerable to bullying. We fully support allowing students to use the restrooms that align with their gender identity and where they feel most comfortable.

We believe all parents need their children to feel safe in our schools, and all children have the right to be safe. We also understand that parents may have questions about these and other school policies; we believe dialogue leads to a greater sense of community. We encourage civilized, open, respectful, and constructive discussions with the goal of improving understanding, empathy, and inclusion across our community.

Signed,

Susan Albright, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 2

Lisle Baker, Ward 7 Councilor

Martha Bixby, Ward 6 Councilor

Randall Block, Ward 4 Councilor

Vicki Danberg, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 6

Stephen Farrell, Ward 8 Councilor

Rena Getz, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 5

Maria Scibellil-Greenberg, Ward 1 Councilor

Rebecca Grossman, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 7

Bill Humphrey, Ward 5 Councilor

David Kalis, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 8

Andrea Kelley, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 3

Joshua Krintzman, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4

Marc Laredo, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 7

Alan Lobovits, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 6

Rick Lipof, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 8

Tarik Lucas, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 2

Julia Malakie, Ward 3 Councilor

David Micley, Ward 2 Councilor

John Oliver, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 1

Pam Wright, Councilor-at-Large, Ward 3

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller