This week, public comment will be taken at the Utah State Board of Education, where you can stand up for schools and students by raising your hand to discuss the new controversial school-grading system. This weekend, stand up to bullying by going to an anti-bullying fair. And next week is Pride Week at the University of Utah, where you can learn more about transgender issues affecting Utah’s minority and refugee communities.
Utah State Board of Education
Friday, Oct. 4
The Utah State Board of Education will start its Friday meeting with public comment. If you’ve got an opinion on the new school-grading system that critics say unfairly judges schools based solely on standardized testing, or if you like what the grades have shown, come and speak up. You can also talk about any other education subject and stick around for the full meeting, which, after the public-comment portion will cover topics ranging from drop-out prevention to literacy efforts. Utah State
Board of Education, 250 E. 500 South, 801-538-7517, Oct. 4, 8:15 a.m.-5 p.m. (public comment at 8:40 am), http://citywk.ly/17p73qg
Anti-Bullying Fair
Saturday, Oct. 5
Community do-gooders like the Boys & Girls Club of South Valley, Dolls & Gents and others are throwing a family-
friendly fair this weekend to raise awareness against bullying in school. The event’s many diversions include a bounce house, mechanical bull and talent show, as well as tasty offerings from local restaurants and numerous local vendors.
Midvale City Park, 425 W. 7600 South, Oct. 5, noon-5 p.m., dollsandgents.weebly.com/anti-bully-fair
U Pride Week “Two Spirit Panel”
Wednesday, Oct. 9
LGBT issues, like other social issues, aren’t so clear-cut as simply being about sexual orientation or gender. Utah’s Pacific Islander, Latino, American Indian and refugee populations face unique challenges in recognizing and supporting the trans members of their communities, even though, in many cultures, trans individuals have historically been revered and respected. Come learn more about trans issues in Utah’s diverse communities at this free public forum.
Orson Spencer Hall, 260 S. Central Campus Drive, University of Utah, 801-587-7973, LGBT.Utah.edu
