Karen Smith, the president of the CBSD School Board, has been honored by the National Education Association’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Caucus with the 2024 Paul Sathrum Role Model Award for her commitment to representing and advocating for marginalized and underrepresented communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth. She received the recognition at the Caucus' Robert Burley Memorial Awards dinner at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on July 6.

 

“Karen's work has been instrumental in protecting the rights of all students and advocating for every child to be cared for and protected,” Eric Dills, the communications director for the Caucus, said.

 

First presented in 2011, the award honors individuals who are outstanding in their advocacy for marginalized communities. Past recipients include Doug Spearman, a television and film actor; Stuart Milk, the director of the Milk Foundation and nephew of Harvey Milk; Anice Parker, former mayor of Houston and past chair of the Victory Fund; and Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the landmark marriage equality lawsuit, Obergefell v. Hodges.

 

Each year, potential honorees are identified and nominated by members of the NEA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Caucus, which operates independently of the National Education Association and has a membership of about 1,000.

 

“Karen's dedication to the cause and powerful messaging about the need to protect every child made her a standout choice for this year's award,” Dills said. “Her work continues to resonate and inspire, underscoring the importance of advocacy in creating safe and inclusive environments for all students.”