Rally before Duval School Board meeting to support re-partnering LGBTQ youth center JASMYN

A rally is being held at Duval County Public Schools headquarters to implore the district to bring back its partnership with a LGBTQ youth center and to show support for LGBTQ youth in the community.

DCPS cut ties last week with JASMYN, the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network.

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Internal emails that Action News Jax obtained from DCPS show that JASMYN had reached out to the district about what it described as a “right-wing” website that first brought attention to its games.

The website’s posts stem from JASMYN’s social posts for a JASMYN-sponsored event that had a card game featuring illustrations of men’s genitals. JASMYN leaders insisted the game is only played with adults and that they’ve never used the game around young people.

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DCPS said it will partner with United Way instead of JASMYN. Several people showed up ahead of Tuesday night’s school board meeting to protest DCPS cutting ties with JASMYN.

DCPS Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene released a statement that reads in part: “The district simply cannot partner with the organization given their use of program materials. We must protect the continued good work of our schools to ensure all schools remain safe spaces for all students.”

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Twelve local organizations released a statement in support of Jacksonville’s LGBTQ youth on Tuesday in the wake of the decision:

“As a group of community stakeholders, we are concerned for the wellbeing of our LGBTQ+ youth in our community, whose voices may feel forgotten or lost.

“To our beloved youth who identify as LGBTQ+, we want you to know that you are loved, we see you, and we remain committed to supporting you. Every one of you in the LGBTQ+ community is uniquely beautiful and worthy, and there is a strong coalition of vocal, actionable support behind you that remains committed to advocating with you and being a champion for you. No matter what, we will continue to stand beside you.

“Please continue to reach out to the people and organizations you trust in your schools and in the community for support wherever and whenever you need it. Anyone can also dial the 2-1-1 helpline at any time to access support services through United Way of Northeast Florida, as well as the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”

Action News Jax will be at the school board meeting and update this story with the latest developments.

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