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Honoring TDOR, Strengthening Community Power

This week reminds us why our work matters. Thursday was Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor the lives stolen by anti-trans violence and to reaffirm our commitment to building schools where every trans student is safe, seen, and supported. Across Arizona, coordinated attempts to undermine inclusive education continue to surface, but so does community strength. People are showing up early, speaking truth, and pushing back against misinformation.


In this week’s update, we share what happened at the Amphi meeting, how you can take action in your district, and Part 2 of our Civic Power Series which breaks down who can run for school board and why that matters for long-term change.

🏫 School Board Action:


Amphitheater Public Schools


Last week we alerted our community that a coordinated group tied to Turning Point USA was preparing to disrupt the November 18 Amphi board meeting by pushing misinformation about transgender students during public comment. The goal was to manufacture a culture-war crisis in a meeting where no transgender-related policy was on the agenda.


The reporting confirms what we anticipated. Public comment became a stage for anti-trans talking points, including arguments that trans students should be barred from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identity. A handful of speakers repeated fear-based claims about discomfort and “safety,” while others spoke powerfully in support of trans youth and affirmed their right to exist fully in their schools.


Superintendent Todd Jaeger made it clear that the district is following the law. He cited rulings from the Ninth Circuit and a recent Supreme Court order that require schools to allow trans students to use facilities aligned with their gender identity. Jaeger also pushed back hard on the political narrative driving these attacks, stating that the district’s policies are grounded in legal obligations and student well-being, not ideology. He underscored that personal beliefs—his or the board’s—do not permit the district to violate federal law.

Take Action In YOUR School District


Email policy@justschools.org with any red flag issues coming up in your school or at your local school board meetings.


Apply to become a Just Schools Hall Monitor volunteer and help track what’s happening in your district. We’ll train you to spot red flags, understand policy decisions, and share reports that strengthen our collective advocacy for inclusive, well-funded schools.



🗳️ Weekly Civic Power Series


Part 2: Who can Run for School Board


In Arizona, anyone can run for a school board seat if they are:


  • A registered voter in the district

  • A resident of the district for at least one year

  • Not employed by that district


These are the only formal requirements. There is no requirement for a specific degree, political background, or previous elected experience. School board races in Arizona are nonpartisan and appear at the bottom of the ballot.


Why it matters: Across Arizona, school board elections consistently see some of the lowest turnout of any race on the ballot. Many seats go uncontested, which means candidates can win with very few votes. In these conditions, the people who choose to run have significant influence over district policy, budgets, and the climate of local schools.


This creates an opening for everyday community members to step into leadership and ensure local boards reflect the students and families they serve, including those committed to protecting queer and trans students.


Learn more about eligibility, filing steps, and deadlines: https://schoolsup.org/governing-board-elections


Next week - Part 3: How school boards govern and where policy power really sits.


🗞️ In the News



🧾 Discrimination & Harassment Complaint Form


Queer students continue to face discrimination, slurs, and harassment from peers and even faculty. That’s not “part of growing up.” It’s unlawful and preventable.


Documenting these incidents matters. Each report ensures state officials can’t ignore the problem. Bullying and discrimination harm students’ education, mental health, and safety.


💪 Stand With Students


Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen at school. Your involvement, whether as a Hall Monitor, volunteer, or donor – keeps that promise alive. Get involved today!



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