PGCPS Champions Inclusivity, Engages Community for Pride Month

PGCPS set the stage for Pride Month in May with an inaugural Pride Summit, engaging more than 500 students, staff, and community members in its first year. 

“Every member of our community deserves to feel seen, valued, respected and safe, and this summit represents a milestone in our ongoing work to foster a culture of acceptance and equity across the district,” said Superintendent Millard House II, emphasizing the importance of the summit as a milestone in the district’s ongoing efforts to promote acceptance and equity.

Building on the success of the Summit, PGCPS furthered its dedication to inclusivity by participating in the June 9 Capital Pride Festival in Washington DC, marking a historic moment for the district!

Students from Heather Hills Elementary in Bowie visit PGCPS at Capital Pride

Amid the vibrant atmosphere of celebration and solidarity, the district’s presence marked a significant moment in direct community engagement and support for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility.

“Throughout the day, students, alumni, teachers, and staff visited the PGCPS table with excitement and pride to see us there representing our school district in such a meaningful way,” said Christina Kunze, Art Department Chair at Charles Herbert Flowers High School, who spearheaded PGCPS’ attendance at Capital Pride. “This enthusiasm underscores the importance of our presence in the community and reinforces our commitment to celebrating inclusivity and diversity within PGCPS.”

PGCPS teacher volunteers from Charles Herbert Flowers and Fairmont Heights high schools at Capital Pride

The celebration continued on June 11 as students and teacher sponsors of PGCPS school-based Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSA) joined County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for a Pride Month Reception. Against the backdrop of affirming speeches and camaraderie, Alsobrooks underscored the collective responsibility of the broader community in creating an inclusive society.

Superintendent Millard House II joins students at the County Executive’s Pride Luncheon on June10

“We've been intentional about embracing our LGBTQ+ youth, and our County's public school system has also been instrumental in this outreach,” Alsobrooks said. “Last month, the system hosted their inaugural Pride in PGCPS virtual summit, sharing resources for LGBTQ youth and engaging students and staff in discussions about advocacy, allyship and empowerment. Being "Prince George's Proud" incorporates so much. It’s the work we do every single day to make sure that every Prince Georgian can truthfully say that they feel heard and that they are never excluded.”

PGCPS is set to continue engagement with the community, with plans to participate in Mount Rainier Pride Day on June 15.