Educational leaders in each of California’s 345 unified school districts once again have an opportunity to gauge their respective successes and challenges in implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive programs and policies by responding to the 2025 Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card Survey.

Distributed in mid-October by the Equality California Institute, the data gathered from this survey serves to inform the 2025 Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card that will be published in the fall of 2026.

The Equality California Institute serves to advance civil rights and social justice for LGBTQ+ students and staff throughout California. It is dedicated to fostering school settings that are healthy, equitable, and fully inclusive. It seeks to ensure that every educational setting provides positive experiences for the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community reflecting understanding, respect, and empowerment.

The Safe and Supportive Schools Survey Report Card gives administrators, community members, and other stakeholders the opportunity to look at the data and determine the level of progress being made in the implementation of important state-approved and/or mandated LGBTQ+ inclusive programs and policies.

The survey components include:

• 38 questions.
• Section I: Student Supports, Policies, and Best Practices.
• Section II: Staff Supports, Policies, and Best Practices.
• Section III: Community Supports, Policies and Best Practices.
• Ancillary document: 2025-2026 The Safe and Supportive Schools Survey Guide.
• Ancillary document: Safe and Supportive Schools Survey – Frequently Asked Questions.
• Ancillary document: 2025-2026 Safe and Supportive Schools Survey Glossary.
• Ancillary document: 2025 Safe and Supportive Schools Survey List of Resources and Organizations.

Included with these other documents are important notes from Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Not surprisingly, they echo the concerns that most of us are keenly aware of, most notably efforts to ban books, remove inclusive curriculum and violate student privacy. Through this survey, educators can assess their work addressing these and other actions and ensure that all students be successful, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

The deadline to complete all district surveys is Jan. 30, 2026. For more information, please contact Equality California at safeschools@eqca.org.