The CCHRC is pleased to announce that there are two recipients from two of our local schools for our Climate for Freedom Award for 2022. They are the Concord Middle School (CMS) Gender and Sexuality Alliance (formerly CMS LGBTQ+ and Allies) and the Concord-Carlisle Spectrum Club at Concord Carlisle High School (CCHS). This is the first time there are co-recipients of the award.
The student-initiated CMS Gender and Sexuality Alliance, which began in 2017, promotes the rights of queer students by creating a safe space and has pushed for a more inclusive and accepting school environment. The seventh grade English team, for example, has adopted a class novel with a queer protagonist and is teaching about homophobia, heterosexism, and heteronormativity. The group currently gathers twice a month with about 30 students in attendance. Current faculty advisors are Hannah Vincent and Donna Amidon.
The Concord-Carlisle Spectrum Club, initiated back in the 1990s as part of the statewide Safe Schools initiative, was founded by a group of students, teachers, and parents. Spectrum welcomes all CCHS students and staff, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a questioning person or ally. They promote interest in and tolerance of diversity and work to support a positive and welcoming school climate for all. Meetings provide support and social space for students (and sometimes faculty and staff) to come and talk about their week and the challenges they are having; as well as education about local, national and global trends in the area of GLBTQ rights. It is a judgment-free space where people can be themselves.
The Awards were presented on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022 in the Learning Commons at Concord Carlisle High School.
Pictured below~
Top photo:
Representatives from CMS Gender and Sexuality Alliance: Lily Baum, Claire Roeser, Justi Mora Y Araujo
Bottom photo:
Representatives from CCHS Spectrum Club: Phe O’Leary, Francis Davies and Alex Nugent
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