Safe Schools for Everyone Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Students

Schools should be a place of safety and comfort; a sense of community. But that is not always the case. Safety can be a serious issue for students, and these issues can lead to a series of outcomes. For example, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students are just one of the many students who experience these types of safety issues. The effects of bullying, harassment, and discrimination can result in a poor academic performance, and are much more likely to drop out of school, become depressed or suicidal, consume drugs or alcohol, or carry a weapon to school. The measurable damage is severely devastating. According to the National Education Association (NEA), they believe that a great public school is a fundamental right of every child—free from intimidation and harassment, and safe for all students, including those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered. Some of the alarming statistics, according to the 2005 National School Climate Survey, taken by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) are as followed:

• More than a third (37.8%) of students experienced physical harassment at school on the basis of sexual orientation;

• More than a quarter (26.1%) of students experienced physical harassment at school on the basis of their gender expression;

• Nearly one-fifth (17.6%) of students had been physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation;

• Over one-tenth (11.8%) of students had been physically assaulted because of their gender expression.

The NEA claims to be committed to reversing these trends and addressing the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students.

“There is only one real issue for educators: We are responsible for our students' safety and education. We must ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to achieve and thrive.” -National Education Association (NEA)