SFUSD superintendent defends policies, transgender student issues during Congressional hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KGO) -- San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Maria Su defended the district's policies Wednesday during a congressional hearing that focused on issues including transgender students and ethnic studies in public schools.
Su testified for several hours before the Republican-led House panel, answering questions about whether federal laws are being upheld. She appeared alongside leaders from school districts in Chicago and Virginia, as well as a representative from the National Center for Youth Law. Much of the questioning centered on Chicago.
In her opening remarks, Su told lawmakers that San Francisco is proud of its history as a pioneer in LGBTQ rights and its commitment to welcoming all students. Despite battling laryngitis, she delivered her testimony and responses to lawmakers.
MORE: Bay Area activists worry Trump's push to end youth gender-affirming care is just the beginning
Members of Congress questioned Su on a range of topics, including drag-queen story time programs. Throughout the hearing, she remained composed and clear in her responses.
Addressing questions about gender identity and bathroom access, Su said the district follows state and federal law.
California Congressman Kevin Kiley took the questioning more in the direction of where the district's focus is during her 18 months leading the district. He asked her about the teaching of algebra returning to middle school, an ethnic studies program that has been removed, and even the fact that Lincoln High School still has its name.
Longtime San Francisco educator and lawyer John Trasviña, a graduate of Lowell High School, spoke with ABC7 Eyewitness News about Dr. Su's testimony.
Trasviña said the Kiley-Su exchange was a direct result of Proposition 50 and California's redistricting, as he is now running as a Democrat in a newly created district.
"Kevin Kiley has been an antagonist of the school district for quite some time, and he's paid more attention to the school district than other members of the committee. But as a result of that exchange and other exchanges, Maria Su can return to San Francisco as a war hero, having survived a Congressional hearing and done a good job."
On the committee, Bay Area Congressman Mark DeSaulnier set Su up nicely to talk about family resource centers and how they create positive outcomes for kids and families.
The hearing comes as the Trump administration has launched a separate federal investigation into San Francisco Unified and three other California school districts.
The district now sits at the center of broader national debates over cultural issues in education, including policies related to transgender students, religious rights and parental rights.
"Overall, this was a very successful day for the San Francisco schools and Dr. Su," Trasviña said.
