Jennifer Morales is an intelligent, thoughful decision-maker who recognizes the unique challenges faced by LGBT students and who is working to make institutional changes that support those students.  She does this while keeping any eye on the bigger goal of providing quality education to all of Milwaukee's children.  Even though Ms. Morales does not have a challenger this year, HRL-PAC enthusiastically endorses her and the work she is doing.    

 

1. January 24 thru 28 was No Name Calling Week, an anti-bullying program/curriculum schools join into to educate students, parents and staff about bullying within schools and the affects it has on students and their learning. Do you support some type of anti-bullying program for all elementary and high schools within MPS and the inclusion of information about LGBT people or individuals perceived to by LGBT?

Response:
I support anti-bullying programs for MPS students and the inclusion of information about LGBT people or individuals perceived to be LGBT.

 

2. The 2005-06 school year is the planned opening of a new MPS High School, The Alliance School of Milwaukee (ASM). The goal is to have a school that is diverse and accepting. The students will be from all walks of life, but have one thing in common, the desire to learn without the fear or distraction of being singled out as different. At this school students will be able to be who they are artistic, gay or lesbian, straight ally, alternative culture, etc. and the school's administration and staff will be supportive. As a MPS Board Member, what would be your role in the continued development of this school?

Response:
I have already supported the development of the Alliance School by reviewing the school proposal and advising the organizers on their presentation to the School Board. I’ve also kept an eye out for possible supplemental funding and referred school organizers to one possible grant source nationally. I’ve spoken out in the media about the need for the school, and will continue to do so.

 

3. Are there age appropriate materials and resources readily available to students about LGBT people and their families within all MPS schools? Do you support age appropriate information to be included in curriculum for elementary and high schools? Please explain.

Response:
Although we have some materials available, I know we need to expand age-appropriate resources for students about LGBT people and their families in school libraries, classrooms, and parent resource centers. I support scientifically accurate and inclusive information in our schools on health, sexuality, sexual identity, family structures, etc., and have been working to find funding for more resources for the schools so that every school can offer age-appropriate information on essential topics.

One small concrete thing I did in my first term was to get a resolution passed to have all new student information forms bear lines for "Parent/Guardian" instead of "Mother" and "Father" to make these types of materials more inclusive of our diverse MPS families.

 

4. Do you support LGBT students being covered by the anti-harassment policies in student & staff conduct? And if so how would you enforce this policy?

Response:
I support LGBT students being covered by anti-harassment policies. I have personally advocated for a few students when they have approached me about gender- or orientation-based harassment by staff or students, and I believe that in both my official and personal capacities I have enforced the District’s anti-harassment policies. I have tried, through the School Board resolution process, to expand the District’s training of school administrators on how to identify and investigate student complaints of sexual harassment/assault, which would also include harassment/assault based on gender or sexual orientation. This effort is still in progress.

 

5. Do you support Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) being a resource to MPS staff and students? Would you be in favor of PFLAG doing staff inservice or coming into classrooms to present age appropriate information to students about LGBT-people and their families?

Response:
I have been a fan of PFLAG for many years and have worked with PFLAG members on various causes. I support schools wishing to have PFLAG information or presentations in their schools.

 

6. Do you support student Gay Straight Alliances (GSA) holding meetings on MPS property after school hours and holding activities to promote acceptance of the diversity with in MPS?

Response:
I have supported GSAs in MPS publicly and will continue to do so. I believe these groups should have the same access to school facilities as any other student club.

 

7. If elected to the school board what other ways would you work for a more diverse educational system?

Response:
I will continue to support the development of schools and programs that meet the needs of our diverse students and families. I will promote policies that create a respectful, safe, and constructive atmosphere for LGBT parents and students. I will continue to speak out publicly for the needs and rights of our diverse families.

Specifically, in my next term I will seek further action on my resolution regarding training for our administrators on issues of sexual harassment and assault; seek school funding reform so we can provide age-appropriate resources for our classrooms and libraries; and help promote the Alliance School and GSAs to meet the needs of our LGBT students.

 

8. Why should HRL-PAC endorse you?

Response:
I was endorsed by HRL-PAC in the November 2004 elections in my race for Wisconsin state senate against Alberta Darling. HRL-PAC contributed to my campaign financially and members served as volunteers, fundraiser hosts, and supporters.