We believe the Diocese of Oakland is pressuring Bishop O’Dowd leadership to remove pride flags on the school campus. This decision appears to have been made without input from the regents, faculty, student body, or parents and guardians.

This posture is at odds with the school’s stated objective of creating a culture of equity and belonging.

As parents and guardians, we are extremely concerned about this attempt to erase all visibility of BOD’s LGBTQ+ students and staff. We have a lot of questions about this decision.

Why is it happening? Why now? What message is this sending to our children and our O’Dowd community? What is the plan to support and defend our LGBTQ+ students and staff? Will our O’Dowd community let this stand? 

We are demanding answers and accountability for this decision. We encourage you to join us by emailing school board President Kim Walsh, Vice-President Father Leo Edgerly, and Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland, the Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, S.J., to ask them to stand up for our values and protect our school community.