GLSEN’s benchmark survey reveals LGBT youth regularly harassed.
GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) released on November 13 state-level data from its biennial National School Climate Survey report for 29 states that show that schools remain unsafe for the majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.
The National School Climate Survey, which first began in 1999 and is one of the few studies to examine the middle and high school experiences of LGBT youth nationally, has deduced that schools nationwide are hostile environments for a number of LGBT students; a hostile school climate affects students’ academic success and mental health; and students with LGBT-related resources and supports report better school experiences and academic success.
While school climate for LGBT students has improved somewhat over the years, it remains hostile for many.
The 29 states with snapshots are Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Snapshots were created for states that had enough LGBT student respondents to allow for the analysis of the local findings.
“The large number of students who reported hearing anti-LGBT language and who continue to experience verbal and physical harassment in schools in these states is unacceptable,” said Dr. Eliza Byard, GLSEN’s Executive Director.
“GLSEN calls on everyone in these states and across the country to join us in ensuring students and educators are given the resources and supports to create safe and affirming school environments. All members of the school community need to feel empowered to intervene when others are undermining these efforts.”