Nation’s Largest Statewide LGBTQ+ Organization Endorses Richard Barrera to Be Next State Superintendent of Public Instruction
(San Diego) Equality California (EQCA) – with 900,000 members the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization – has endorsed Democrat Richard Barrera for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“California’s next State Superintendent must be prepared to defend public education, protect LGBTQ+ students, and ensure every young person has the opportunity to succeed,” said Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California. “Richard Barrera has spent his career standing up for students and families, advancing policies that make schools safer and more inclusive, and fighting back against political attacks on the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ young people. We are proud to endorse his campaign and look forward to working alongside him to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students in California.”
“I am honored to have EQCA’s support in this election,” says Barrera. “Fighting for the visibility and well-being of LGBTQ+ students has been an important part of my almost two decades of work as a trustee for the San Diego Unified School District. As State Superintendent, I look forward to partnering with EQCA as we work together to ensure that every California student feels safe and valued at school and receives the world class public education they deserve.”
At least 10% of California’s middle and high school students identify as LGBT. These students are vulnerable to rejection, bullying, violence and suicide. Under Barrera’s leadership, San Diego Unified has adopted robust anti-bullying policies, supported Gay-Straight Alliance student clubs, and provided resources for LGBTQ+ students and their teachers and families. In 2011, Barrera was honored with the San Diego LGBT Center’s Harvey Milk Award for his work to stem the alarming rise in suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.
Barrera also serves as Senior Policy Advisor to current State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. He outpaced a large field of other Democratic candidates in the June primary for this non-partisan office. His opponent in the November general election is a MAGA Republican.
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Barrera is available for one-on-one interviews. Learn more about him athttps://www.barreraforedu.com/
For more information contact Dale Kelly Bankhead, 619.549.3140, dkbankhead@yahoo.com