The GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) / Rainbow Club is a welcoming space that celebrates the diversity and inclusivity of our school community. In the GSA/Rainbow Club, students come together to talk about topics like family, identity, kindness, and respect. This club provides a safe, supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, families, friends, and allies to connect and learn about our many unique identities. Research has shown that GSA/Rainbow Clubs help promote a positive, inclusive school climate and encourage an anti-bullying message. Research on LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools—including the positive impact of having a Rainbow Club or GSA—has been documented by many respected organizations, such as the CDC, Vanderbilt University, the American Bar Association, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. More information on the proven benefits of these clubs for individual students and entire school communities is available here.
We’re proud that the San Mateo-Foster City School District offers GSA Clubs at all of our comprehensive middle schools, with additional clubs at one of our Montessori schools and three elementary sites. In our elementary schools, Rainbow Clubs are open to all interested 3rd to 5th grade students who want to support and celebrate our school community. Students engage in activities that promote acceptance, inclusion, empathy, and more. Clubs at each school site meet on different dates and times throughout the school year. We hope that these clubs will foster a welcoming environment where all students, families and staff in our district feel safe, accepted, and valued. The GSA and Rainbow Clubs help us work toward San Mateo-Foster City School District’s Equity Goal of LGBTQ+ inclusion, safety, and empowerment (as outlined on pages 44-46 of our strategic plan linked above).
In addition, our district has also partnered with Welcoming Schools, an organization supported by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), to create safe and supportive environments for all students in both Elementary and Secondary schools. Welcoming Schools offers resources for families and caregivers, including guides on age-appropriate definitions, vocabulary for family diversity, and ways to answer children’s common questions about different family structures. You can visit the Welcoming Schools website to learn more.
Please reach out to Israel Cruz (LGBTQ+ Counselor on Special Assignment) with any questions or concerns.
Email: jcruz@smfc.k12.ca.us
Cell: 650.633.8771
Website with more information: https://www.glsen.org/gsa-study
