Equality California Endorses Richard Barrera for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of Richard Barrera for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

"California's next State Superintendent must be prepared to defend public education, protect LGBTQ+ students, and ensure every young person has the opportunity to succeed," said Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California. "Richard Barrera has spent his career standing up for students and families, advancing policies that make schools safer and more inclusive, and fighting back against political attacks on the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ young people. We are proud to endorse his campaign and look forward to working alongside him to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students in California."

During his tenure on the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education, Barrera helped expand protections and resources for LGBTQ+ students, including supporting the creation of the district's Office of Youth Advocacy, implementing the SAFETY Act, and strengthening inclusive school policies. As a senior leader at the California Department of Education, he has continued defending LGBTQ+ students by opposing forced outing policies, protecting student privacy, and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in California schools.

"This election offers Californians a clear choice for the future of public education. While his opponent, Sonja Shaw, has championed policies that would put LGBTQ+ students at risk and undermine safe, inclusive learning environments for all students, Richard Barrera has consistently fought to defend student safety, inclusive schools, and the dignity of every young person", said Hoang.

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