State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson released the following statement, urging teachers and students to take a moment today to observe Harvey Milk Day:

“One of California’s greatest strengths is—and always has been—our diversity. We are fortunate to live in a state where there is such great potential for the contributions of all to be acknowledged and appreciated.

“Harvey Milk helped blaze this path while he was alive, and it’s a path we continue to walk now more than three decades after his death. It leads us all the way from California’s classrooms to our nation’s White House.

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“As we recognize Harvey Milk today, it is important that we do so in more than words—that we work every day to crowd out bullying with not only tolerance, but respect. Our children—who are California’s children, no matter their beliefs, color, ethnicity, or orientation—deserve nothing less from those of us who would set an example for them to follow.”

California Education Code Section 37222.13 designates May 22 of each year as Harvey Milk Day. All public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises remembering his life, recognizing his accomplishments, and familiarizing pupils with the contributions he made to this state.