The district will also walk in the Monterey Pride Parade on June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. The community is welcome to join us - see flyer below.
At the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for all students, staff, and families. Pride Month invites us to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the work still ahead, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
The MPUSD Board of Education adopted a resolution at its May 27, 2025, meeting formally recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month.
The resolution reaffirms the district’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and affirming environments for all students, staff, and families—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the catalyst for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. It is also a time to recognize the achievements, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history and across the world.
MPUSD's resolution acknowledges the continued challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, face today, including disproportionate risks of bullying, mental health issues, and homelessness. The district also highlights its role in advancing equity by upholding the FAIR Education Act, which requires fair and inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in California's history and social studies curriculum.
The resolution encourages all MPUSD schools to observe Pride Month as a show of support and solidarity, and as an opportunity to educate students about the importance of acceptance, belonging, and social justice.
“Our goal is to ensure every student feels safe, seen, and supported at school,” said Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh. “Recognizing Pride Month is one of many steps we take toward ensuring equity and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive.”
The resolution aligns with MPUSD’s broader commitment to improving outcomes for all students, eliminating performance gaps, and promoting a culture of high expectations, inclusivity, and respect across its school communities.
