Associated Chino Teachers (ACT) are fighting back against discriminatory, anti-LGBTQ+ policies that harm students, being adopted by the Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Board of Education. When the CVUSD Board of Education attempted to ban Pride flags in June 2023, ACT challenged that with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) and won in June 2025. During this time, teachers were finding creative ways to keep inclusive messages in their classrooms.

“When school board President Sonja Shaw and board members Andrew Cruz, James Na and Jon Monroe, and Superintendent Norm Enfield attempted to ban Pride flags in June 2023 and similar materials from classrooms, we fought back by committing to the students who needed to see those symbols of safety and inclusion in my classroom,” said ACT President Steven Frazer. “The board’s policy created an impossible situation for educators. We were being told to remove materials that communicated a simple but vital message: all students are welcome here, exactly as they are. For LGBTQ+ students—who already face disproportionate rates of bullying, mental health challenges and feelings of isolation—losing these visible signs of support felt like erasure.”

“A group of coworkers and I decided to buy t-shirts that had inclusive messages with rainbows, and we wore them every Wednesday. It was my way of rebelling against a ridiculous board policy, while still letting my students know that my classroom is an inclusive place,” said special education math teacher and Secondary Director Jacqueline Cortes.

The ruling was clear. PERB didn’t just overturn the ban, but they recognized the way the school board had tried to silence educators and give zero regard to students who saw themselves in those colors. This fight was never about the law alone; for ACT, it was also about pushing back against board members who were using this moment to advance their personal agendas by exploiting the lack of familiarity with LGBTQ+ people by pitting parents and teachers against one another and spreading misinformation.

“Teaching has never been easy, but lately it feels like educators are under constant attack. We face criticism from some in our community who question our motives, professionalism and dedication. But I refuse to let that noise drown out what matters most: the kids in our classrooms. The hate and hostility directed at educators won’t stop me. If anything, it reminds me why this work is so important. Our students need us to show up, speak up and stand firm—even when it’s uncomfortable,” said Frazer.

As educators, we have a duty and obligation to provide safe, equitable learning environments for kids, free from fear of political or religious persecution, as they continue to grow and learn. Policies or practices that require outing students without their consent harm everyone—students, parents and guardians, families and school staff—by removing opportunities to build trust.

“I want my students to feel safe in my classroom so that they can thrive academically. The world can be an ugly place, and I want my classroom to be a place where they can always feel safe and happy,” said Cortes.

ACT and CTA believe our elected leaders should focus on ensuring that all students receive the education they deserve, making schools places where children thrive, and where students of all races and genders have the freedom to learn without fear or intimidation, rather than attempting to divide communities. ACT will continue to monitor the district’s compliance with PERB’s order and ensure that educators’ working conditions are protected through proper collective bargaining.

“This fight is just one of many fights that we have had to do as a union to support all students. But this fight is particularly important to me as a high school teacher because of the high suicide rates among LGBTQ+ teens. Studies show that if students have at least one supportive adult whom they can trust, then the likelihood of them committing suicide drops by approximately 40%. I want to attend graduations, not funerals,” said Cortes.

“This work cannot be done alone. It requires community—helpers, allies, organizations, churches and anyone committed to justice. We just organized over 30 clergy members who wrote an open letter to the board about how their policies are impacting students. I do this work because I cannot imagine choosing not to. At the end of the day, I find peace in knowing that I did my best to model the world our students deserve—one rooted in equity, inclusion and the belief that all people are worthy of dignity,” said ACT Equity and Human Rights Chair Natalie Cooney.

Cooney and alumni Madison Kaylor speaking up against an anti-LGBTQ+ item on the agenda.

Before, during and after the ruling, along with other discriminatory, anti-LGBTQ+ policies, Superintendent Enfield and board President Shaw, Vice President John Cervantes, and board members Na and Shaun Smith have pushed since then, ACT hasn’t stopped and will not stop fighting, and students continue to feel seen by their teachers. Every day the flags are up, students feel seen, safe and heard. They see what real leadership looks like and what it means to stand firm together. Chino teachers continue to organize by sharing lesson plans and strategies for responding to complaints without backing down. They check on the newest teachers and the ones still trying to hold their heads above water amidst a hostile school board.

ACT received the CTA LGBTQIA Caucus Award in honor of David Sanchez at the 2025 LGBTQ+ Issues Conference.

ACT is also actively organizing on multiple fronts to protect educators and the students we serve. ACT is addressing the urgent need for safer classrooms, particularly around student behavioral incidents that have resulted in teacher injuries; fair compensation and health benefits to recruit and retain educators; ensuring Professional Learning Communities are teacher-led, so professionals who know their classrooms maintain control over their professional development; and supporting immigrant students and families. These students are part of our school community, and they deserve to learn in an environment free from fear.

“In our school, we have had families express their concern about not feeling safe or like their privacy will be protected, in relation to ICE. The counselors at my site will continue to show our students and their families that they, too, matter, in whatever ways we can. I believe that we need to show up because our field is currently under attack,” said Rachel Guillemet, school counselor and ACT site representative, health/welfare chairperson and communications director.

“As educators, we have both a moral and professional obligation to ensure all our students feel safe and supported. Each of these efforts reinforces the same fundamental principle: educators must have a voice in the decisions that affect our work and our students’ lives,” said Frazer.

For others who are experiencing the same thing in their districts, “Take courage in knowing you are part of a union—a community built to strengthen and protect every educator. I am proud to be part of a union that stands firmly with marginalized individuals. The fear of being targeted is real. But I find strength in knowing that our union will not tolerate injustice and will always stand with those who need protection the most. Stay connected with your local chapter and know your rights as an educator. Supporting students and families is part of our DNA as teachers—and we do not stand alone,” said Cooney, as she references safe space cards and “I’m here” badges that were purchased through the Guy DeRosa LGBTQ+ Safety in Schools Grant from CTA.

Today, the fight is repeating itself with another charge that ACT filed with PERB against the district’s new flag ban. Our advocacy isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the powerful teachers of Chino Unified.

Top photo caption: Safe space cards and “I’m here” badges.