New Report: Harassment of Gay Students Still Commonplace

Posted by on November 10, 2006

[posted from Public Education Network newsblast]

HARASSMENT OF GAY STUDENTS IN SCHOOL STILL TOO COMMONPLACE

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, announced findings from the 2005 National School Climate Survey (NSCS), the only national survey to document the experiences of students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) in America’s schools. The survey reveals that anti-LGBT bullying and harassment remain commonplace in America’s schools. 75. 4% of students heard derogatory remarks such as “faggot” or “dyke” frequently or often at school, and nearly nine out of ten (89.2%) reported hearing “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” — meaning stupid or worthless– frequently or often. Physical harassment and assault is also too frequently reported. Overall, LGBT students were twice as likely as the general population of students to report they were not planning to pursue any post-secondary education. The average GPA for LGBT students who were frequently physically harassed was half a grade lower
than that of LGBT students experiencing less harassment (2.6 versus 3.1). On a positive note, the report indicates that trained and supportive staff, the presence of Gay Student Alliance clubs, and anti-bullying policies all lead to reductions in harassment.

http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/1927.html