Clerk Joe Ramos of the Hayward Unified School Board abused his power when he attacked LGBTQ+ people. Ramos defended his actions with his religious beliefs and claimed he spoke for the entire “Latin community.” The role of school board members is to provide guidance and accountability to school staff to ensure a safe learning environment. Ramos violated his responsibility to those he was elected to serve.
Ramos made false accusations about teachers, stating they were grooming students and trying to convince students to change their genders. He quoted the Bible and referred to LGBTQ+ people and allies as “rulers of the darkness,” implying that they are sinful and against Christian values. These accusations have no factual evidence and are fabricated by hate groups who want to oppress LGBTQ+ people. Instead of providing evidence, Ramos used extremely inflammatory language characterizing teachers as sexual abusers. He targets teachers to silence their advocacy for their students.
Ramos betrayed the people he was elected to protect. The LGBTQ+ community should not be targeted; instead, they should be appreciated and respected. Ramos has encouraged others to join his campaign, which threatens the mental and physical safety of those in Hayward schools.
Ramos implied the Latin community shares the same ideals against teaching LGBTQ+ education in schools. Claims such as these cause division within the Latin community. Stating the community holds the same beliefs misrepresents and harms LGBTQ+ Latine teens and families. His insensitive misrepresentation of Latin people stereotypes them as transphobic and homophobic. His claims create a space where people are free to express hate and bigotry disguised as cultural morals.
By betraying the people and abusing his power, Ramos has cast HUSD in a negative light. Hayward citizens entrust Ramos with helping the Hayward education system and overall community progress, but his words contrast the city’s goals to accept and support everyone. Prejudice against LGBTQ+ people is spreading because of individuals like Ramos. This is especially dangerous because he holds an elected position. The rippling effects of these narratives will incite crucial debates surrounding who deserves power and who does not.