GLSEN Statement on President-Elect Biden’s Nomination of Dr. Miguel Cardona

NEW YORK, NY (December 23, 2020) President-elect Biden announced Dr. Miguel Cardona as his nominee for Secretary of Education. In response to this announcement, GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard issued the following statement:

“President-elect Biden’s historic nomination of Dr. Miguel Cardona to be Secretary of Education is an encouraging step toward creating an education system where every student, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, religion or family income, finds safety and liberation. As the first Latinx leader of the department and as a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, Cardona has demonstrated a clear understanding of the systemic inequities that make our education system inaccessible to many students, as well as a deep commitment to addressing these divides.

“We look forward to learning more about Dr. Cardona’s approach to repairing and addressing the current Administration’s cruel attacks on LGBTQ+ students, immigrant students, BIPOC students, and students with disabilities. It is imperative that the incoming Secretary of Education make clear that all of our children are respected and valued, by reinstating critical policies to protect all students from discrimination and harassment, and pursuing equity, safety, and opportunity for all students as we seek to rebuild our education system from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Amidst the current crisis, there are crucial opportunities to improve our schools and move far beyond what had been the status quo, a steady state with deep deficiencies that left far too many students behind. We are encouraged by Dr. Cardona’s clear understanding of all dimensions of equity in education, and look forward to learning more in the nomination process to come. We are committed to working with the incoming Secretary of Education and the many dedicated public servants in the department to address the needs of LGBTQ+ students, particularly those who are transgender, BIPOC, immigrant, or living with disabilities. Together, we will work to build learning communities for every child in which they are respected and supported as they grow to their full potential.”

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About GLSEN

GLSEN creates safe and affirming K-12 schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach tens of thousands of K-12 schools across the United States, and our network of community-led chapters brings GLSEN’s expertise to local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact have won support for our work at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research and educator training programs, please visit glsen.org.