Former educator Lauren Kelly has entered the crowded race for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education.
Kelly taught high school English within the CHCCS district during the 2022-23 school year, but said she resigned “because of censorship in education that targets LGBTQ+ students and students of color.” She told Chapelboro it was that experience as a teacher which motivated her to run, saying she witnessed “many instances of homophobia, transphobia and racism coming from staff members.”
“Our district has a very open image of being tolerant, inclusive and progressive; this is why I chose to teach here,” Kelly said. “However, it became very clear that not only were marginalized students’ needs neglected but some faculty and staff discouraged supporting these students.”
Kelly went on to detail instances of lesson plans being altered, reports of bullying being ignored and the purchasing of the book “Annie on My Mind” being challenged.
“I was far from perfect,” Kelly said, “but the constant questioning and harassment I faced for teaching inclusive content was unacceptable.”
If elected to the board, Kelly said she will work to implement diversified and representative curricula in every classroom, address concerns on school safety and ease the workload on teachers.
“Lots of change needs to happen in our schools,” she said, “so that they can reflect our community’s values and provide our students with the best education.”
There are four seats seats on the Board of Education up for grabs in this election cycle. Kelly is one of 19 candidates who have filed to run in the race.
Early voting for the fall local government elections begins on Thursday, October 19, while Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.
For a full list of races Chapelboro is covering this 2023 local election cycle, click here. Additional coverage on candidates can be found on the Local Elections page, as well as other updates in the races as the election cycle continues this fall.
Featured image via Lauren Kelly
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