LAFAYETTE — The Lafayette Parish School Board is scheduled to address a resolution that would protect students who identify as LGBTQ from bullying.

The goal of the resolution is to increase awareness and improve programs and polices to combat LGBTQ bullying.

School board member Erick Knezeck put the resolution on the agenda. He tells KATC after the city-parish council denied recognizing June as Pride Month, he was approached by someone who was disappointed in their decision.

Knezeck says he then learned there are about 3.2 million people living in the United States between the ages of 8-18 who are a part of the LBGTQ community.

"I started doing a little bit of research, and it looks like we can do more," said Knezeck. "If we can do more to prevent bullying and make a safer educational environment, that's my goal."

In response to the resolution, the Lafayette chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) released the following statement:

PFLAG Lafayette is excited that the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) is leading the effort to address a major concern for LGBTQ children in our area. All children have the right to learn in a school environment free from discrimination and bullying based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. It is with great pride that PFLAG Lafayette announces its support of this resolution to ensure the protection of those rights to LGBTQ students in Lafayette Parish.

The school board will vote on the resolution at the next board meeting on August 14. Meetings are open to the public.

