The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network released its report about the experiences of LGBT youth in America’s schools. The 2005 National School Climate Survey reports information from 1,732 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students in K-12 schools in all 50 states. Sadly, 40.7% of the students felt unsafe in their schools specifically because of their gender presentation. In addition, 45.5% had been verbally harassed, 26.1% had been physically harassed and 11.8% had been physically assaulted because of their gender expression. Only 10% of the students reported having school policies that include gender identity and expression.

While the study notes a small decrease in harassment due to sexual orientation, there was no change over previous studies in rates of harassment related to gender. Students who experience harassment and assault in school are, for obvious reasons, less likely to regularly attend classes or achieve academically.

On a positive note, the study did show that schools that have comprehensive anti-discrimination policies that were enforced did have a lower incidence of harassment. They also had higher rates of intervention by school officials when a problem occurred. In addition, fully 90% of the students were able to identify at least one member of the staff who was supportive of LGBT students and 47.2% said that there was a student group, such as a Gay-Straight Alliance, at their school. Both were factors in students feeling safer at school.

GLSEN also reported that nearly 4,500 schools participated in the 2006 Day of Silence, held in April, up from 3,600 schools and colleges last year. Record numbers of young people participated this year in this important and growing event of student activism.

You can read more about the Day of Silence and access a full copy or executive summery of the 2005 National School Climate Survey on their website at www.glsen.org.

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