The Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) announced this month that the LGBTQ+ flag will be flown throughout elementary, middle and high schools in the district three months out of the year.

In a message to parents, the district’s superintendent explained that the move is in celebration of October as LGBTQ+ History Month, as well as Transgender Awareness Month in November and LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June.

“As a visible symbol of our support, the Pride Flag will be flown at the District Office and at school sites during these observances,” he wrote. “This action reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that SCUSD is a welcoming and inclusive place for all LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families.”

The decision appears to be in response to a school board resolution that implemented a policy to “display a rainbow Progress Pride flag, representing and celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, at each school and facility within Santa Clara Unified School District” throughout the months of June, October and November” in support of the community.

The policy also “authorizes the display of banners on Santa Clara Unified School District campuses to help encourage discussion and promote the understanding of the importance of LGBTQ+ History Month” and states that “SCUSD believes all students, staff, and families deserve to feel safe and welcome in their schools, to be known by their preferred name, gender identity, and story, and to see themselves represented in curricula.”

The SCUSD superintendent affirmed his commitment to equity and inclusion, which he said are “not just values,” but “essential commitments that shape everything we do.”

“Throughout the year, we honor cultural and identity-based observances that promote understanding, awareness, and education,” he added.

The superintendent also made the claim that “LGBTQ+ students are disproportionately impacted by bullying and discrimination.”

“That is why we are committed to creating safe, supportive, and affirming learning environments across our schools,” he said. “Every student deserves a free, high-quality education in a space where they feel valued and respected.”