WV Educators for Fairness

Educators across the Mountain State agree: It’s time to pass comprehensive nondiscrimination laws to protect LGBTQ West Virginians from discrimination.

As educators, we believe we must do everything in our power to make sure all of our students are safe and supported, including LGBTQ students. We want our students to live in a world where they are judged on their merits and don’t have to worry about discrimination. LGBTQ people are our friends, neighbors, family, coworkers, and students. We know that LGBTQ students face higher rates of bullying and harassment, and we do everything in our power to make our schools a safe place for them to learn and grow. We want our elected officials to do the same thing.

That’s why we’re calling on our elected leaders to pass comprehensive nondiscrimination protections like the Equality Act and the Fairness Act — commonsense and bipartisan bills that will update our laws to protect LGBTQ West Virginians from discrimination in employment, housing, and public spaces.

Despite our various backgrounds, we share a belief that all of our students are worthy of equal educational opportunities. We want our students to grow up in a state where they are protected from discrimination, no matter who they are or who they love. We encourage fellow teachers, our elected officials, and all West Virginians to join us in this public commitment to equality, respect, and justice for all by supporting nondiscrimination.

Current Signers

Wanda Lee Barbo, Robert L. Bland Middle School
Diana Berry, Riverside High School
Angela Cunningham, Oak Glen Middle School
Amy Ellis, Riverside High School
MG Gainer, Calhoun Middle High School
Melissa Hager, Anne Bailey Elementary
Paula Kerner, Capital High School
Kim Legg, Riverside High School
Karen McNeely, Riverside High School
Missy Nash, Hurricane High School
Melanie Pinkerman, Huntington East Middle
Keri Pomeroy, Sissonville High School
Jaclyn Sanchez, Musselman Middle School
Natalie Shaffer, West Virginia University
Allison Sharp, Lewis County High School
Brianne Solomon, Hannan Jr. Sr. High School
Frances Tolley, Hurricane High School

More names to be announced soon…