As a Utah student, I believe our schools should be places where LGBTQ+ students feel safe, not watched, questioned or ignored. That should never be controversial.
Too many students already carry the stress of figuring out who they are while trying to keep up with school. When school policies make LGBTQ+ students feel unwelcome, the result can be isolation, anxiety and a loss of trust in the adults who are supposed to protect them. A school cannot serve all students if some are made to feel invisible.
What Utah schools need is simple, stronger anti-bullying policies, staff training and clear rules that respect students’ names, pronouns and access to school spaces. These are practical steps that can make a real difference.
If we want strong schools, we should start by making sure every student is treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Utah should choose inclusion over silence, and safety over politics.
KK Tiatia, Eagle Mountain