GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) today released state-level data from its biennial National School Climate Survey report that show that schools remain unsafe for the majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.
The latest edition of GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey, which first began in 1999 and remains one of the few studies to examine the middle and high school experiences of LGBT youth nationally, includes four major findings: schools nationwide are hostile environments for a distressing number of LGBT students; a hostile school climate affects students’ academic success and mental health; students with LGBT-related resources and supports report better school experiences and academic success; and school climate for LGBT students has improved somewhat over the years, but remains quite hostile for many.
Specifically in California, the survey found:
· More than nine in 10 LGBT students regularly heard “gay” used in a negative way (e.g., “that’s so gay”), and more than eight in 10 heard other homophobic remarks.
· The majority experienced verbal harassment: about seven in 10 based on their sexual orientation and more than half based on the way they expressed their gender.
· Many also experienced physical harassment and assault. For example, nearly three in 10 were physically harassed based on their sexual orientation, and one in 10 were physically assaulted based on the way they expressed their gender.
· Many students did not have LGBT-inclusive curricular resources. Only a quarter were taught positive representations of LGBT people, history and events, and less than half could access information about LGBT communities on school Internet.
“There is no excuse for a hostile school climate. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our schools have the necessary resources, supports and trainings to create a safe and affirming environment for all students,” said Don Han, Co-Chair of GLSEN Orange County.
“Schools are supposed to be where our children can grow academically and as individuals,” said Chet Sewell, Co-Chair of GLSEN San Diego. “That cannot happen in a hostile environment. The good news is we know what works, including school personnel that are supportive of LGBT youth, student-led Gay-Straight Alliances and a curriculum that includes accurate and positive information about LGBT people, history and events.”
State snapshots for 29 states can be found at www.glsen.org/statesnapshots. To access a summary video, infographic and both the executive summary and complete GLSEN National School Climate Survey report, visit www.glsen.org/nscs.
State snapshot for California:
