2024.02.26 Message from IEA Executive Board
The Issaquah Education Association (IEA) feels a sense of urgency to address the tragic loss of Nex Benedict in Oklahoma, their bullying at school due to their identity, and the impact that these events have on our LGBTQIA+ students, especially those identifying as trans and gender expansive. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of such a young and vibrant individual.
Regardless of whether or not Nex’s death is directly correlated with the hate-driven attack they suffered at school, the rhetoric and atmosphere surrounding these events, including Nex’s frequent misgendering in reporting these events, cause harm to our trans and gender-expansive students. We recognize that this event, as well as similar tragedies in the past, continue to have a significant impact on our LGBTQIA+ students and staff. Paired with a flood of anti-trans/gender-expansive and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, school can be a place where our students feel under threat. IEA stands in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+, trans, and gender-expansive students, ready and willing to accept them for their authentic selves and protect them in our schools.
Our Issaquah School District Equity Mission says â€...We work to create welcoming and inclusive learning environments, where students, staff, and parents know that they matter and that they belong.†IEA believes that it is our responsibility as educators to amplify the voices of our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, students, and community members. We must give voice to the urgent need for meaningful change in our community and society at large. We must not tolerate hate, discrimination, or bullying in our classrooms and communities. It is our primary charge as educators to create an environment where all students can learn. Students who do not feel safe are not learning to their full potential. Thus, we stand ready to accept our students as they are.
We recognize that our educators who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community are likely hurting from this tragedy. The IEA stands with you in support and solidarity. If you need support or a place to connect, please reach out to us. Kristie Bennett (IEA Vice President, LGBTQIA+ educator) and Cathy Chmielewski (IEA Executive Board Diversity Representative) are here to help you. In the last bargain, IEA established an Equity Advisory Committee that is eager to help with any issues that you see in our schools and buildings. You can contact Kristie Bennett with concerns or questions for the team.
To our trans, gender-expansive, and LGBTQIA+ students: We see you, we hear you, and we support you. We are committed to providing you with a safe space, including using your preferred pronouns and name. You deserve to find your true self and we are fighting to make our community a nurturing place for you to take that journey. We commit to being a trusted adult in your life when you need one. We value you as members of our classrooms and community.
It is important that the life Nex shared with those around them is not reduced only to this tragic end. Instead, we remember Nex as an authentic and amazing individual. Nex strived to find the good in people and was unfalteringly kind. They loved rock music, nature, and their cat, Zeus.
We would like to take this opportunity to share IEA’s standing Equity Policy. Our IEA Representative Council unanimously approved publication of our Diversity Statement on September 25, 2018:
“We are a diverse community of educators, and we acknowledge that institutional racism and marginalization exists within our community.
The Issaquah Education Association supports ongoing cultural competency learning for IEA members in order to interrupt bias, oppression and inequity throughout our institution on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion and beliefs, age, income, appearance and ability, and all other marginalized groups.
We know that students thrive in environments that are socially and culturally aware, and where educators are responsive to students’ needs.
We will listen to the needs and concerns of our members, work toward meeting our goals of inclusivity, and encourage the district to partner with us in our work toward equity.â€
In Solidarity,
IEA Executive Board
Regardless of whether or not Nex’s death is directly correlated with the hate-driven attack they suffered at school, the rhetoric and atmosphere surrounding these events, including Nex’s frequent misgendering in reporting these events, cause harm to our trans and gender-expansive students. We recognize that this event, as well as similar tragedies in the past, continue to have a significant impact on our LGBTQIA+ students and staff. Paired with a flood of anti-trans/gender-expansive and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, school can be a place where our students feel under threat. IEA stands in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+, trans, and gender-expansive students, ready and willing to accept them for their authentic selves and protect them in our schools.
Our Issaquah School District Equity Mission says â€...We work to create welcoming and inclusive learning environments, where students, staff, and parents know that they matter and that they belong.†IEA believes that it is our responsibility as educators to amplify the voices of our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, students, and community members. We must give voice to the urgent need for meaningful change in our community and society at large. We must not tolerate hate, discrimination, or bullying in our classrooms and communities. It is our primary charge as educators to create an environment where all students can learn. Students who do not feel safe are not learning to their full potential. Thus, we stand ready to accept our students as they are.
We recognize that our educators who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community are likely hurting from this tragedy. The IEA stands with you in support and solidarity. If you need support or a place to connect, please reach out to us. Kristie Bennett (IEA Vice President, LGBTQIA+ educator) and Cathy Chmielewski (IEA Executive Board Diversity Representative) are here to help you. In the last bargain, IEA established an Equity Advisory Committee that is eager to help with any issues that you see in our schools and buildings. You can contact Kristie Bennett with concerns or questions for the team.
To our trans, gender-expansive, and LGBTQIA+ students: We see you, we hear you, and we support you. We are committed to providing you with a safe space, including using your preferred pronouns and name. You deserve to find your true self and we are fighting to make our community a nurturing place for you to take that journey. We commit to being a trusted adult in your life when you need one. We value you as members of our classrooms and community.
It is important that the life Nex shared with those around them is not reduced only to this tragic end. Instead, we remember Nex as an authentic and amazing individual. Nex strived to find the good in people and was unfalteringly kind. They loved rock music, nature, and their cat, Zeus.
We would like to take this opportunity to share IEA’s standing Equity Policy. Our IEA Representative Council unanimously approved publication of our Diversity Statement on September 25, 2018:
“We are a diverse community of educators, and we acknowledge that institutional racism and marginalization exists within our community.
The Issaquah Education Association supports ongoing cultural competency learning for IEA members in order to interrupt bias, oppression and inequity throughout our institution on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion and beliefs, age, income, appearance and ability, and all other marginalized groups.
We know that students thrive in environments that are socially and culturally aware, and where educators are responsive to students’ needs.
We will listen to the needs and concerns of our members, work toward meeting our goals of inclusivity, and encourage the district to partner with us in our work toward equity.â€
In Solidarity,
IEA Executive Board