Unit 4 understands social justice as a continual commitment to thoughtfully consider and actively challenge societal norms that privilege some and not others.

The LGBTQIA+ Task Force serves social justice initiatives. The mission of the Task Force is to provide a welcoming and safe environment for our LGBTQIA+ students, families, and Unit 4 staff members. The Task Force meets regularly throughout the year to continue to support the Unit 4 LGBTQIA+ Community and address ongoing issues, concerns, and needs. 

Several of the actions taken by the Task Force over the years include: 

• Changed district and building forms from mother/father to parent/guardian.

• Purchased age-appropriate LGBTQIA+ friendly books for each elementary school that are available for all students to check out. 

• Encouraged SCHOLASTIC™ to sell non-traditional books LGBTQIA+ focused texts. 

• Provided in-service training for staff to know their legal obligation and how to respond to LGBTQIA+ discrimination when students report.

• Instituted a mandated training module all staff are required to complete, focusing on student safety and what they are legally obligated to respond to.

• Provided ALLY signs to all schools and classrooms, teaching students that ALLY means everyone deserves to feel safe at school. 

• Helped Edison students who wished to establish a Gay/Straight Alliance by using resources from Franklin and Jefferson student clubs.

• Provided SafeSpaces signs for all teachers’ classrooms. 

• Created a media project involving all Unit 4 Schools stating support of LGBTQIA+ students and community. 

• Educated teachers on how to establish a supportive classroom environment, giving teachers the language to respond to anti-gay bullying.

• Created district forms, process, and support for inclusive registration procedures. 

• Continue to support and staff the Unit 4 tent at the annual CU Pride Fest.