Sunday, October 2, 2011

Talking Points #3 2009 National School Climate Survey: Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT Students Experience Harassment in School by Daryl Presgraves

 Happy Couple

Quotes:

"An analysis of National School Climate Survey data over 10 years showed that since 1999 there has been a decreasing trend in the frequency of hearing homophobic remarks; however, LGBT students' experiences with more severe forms of bullying and harassment have remained relatively constant."
 In over ten years, the National School Climate Survey had collected data and had been analyzing it since 1999. Although it showed them how there had been a decrease in the offending remarks by those who were homophobic, LGBT students still deal with cruel harassment and bullying on a constant scale. This tells readers that there is still more to do to help keep LGBT students feel safe in their schools. The more awareness and sources of help students can get in school, the better it'll get.

"84.6% of LGBT students reported being verbally harassed, 40.1% reported being physically harassed and 18.8% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation. "
From the statistics of the survey, it seems that safety concerns were still a big issue in LGBT students. Almost 85 percent of LGBT students reported that they were verbally harassed in school. That is a huge percentage and is proof that harassment and bullying still occurred. Even though the percentage of physical harassment and assault is lower than 50 percent, it still is a concern to be noted. This data is reflective of the constant bullying and harassment.

"Having a Gay-Straight Alliance in school was related to more positive experiences for LGBT students, including: hearing fewer homophobic remarks, less victimization because of sexual orientation and gender expression, less absenteeism because of safety concerns and a greater sense of belonging to the school community."
Implementing a Gay-Straight Alliance in schools will help reduce the amount of  homophobic remarks, harassment and assault than a school without a related organization. It indeed helps LGBT students feel safe and connected within the school. They won't feel as if they are an outsider who don't belong. It creates a positive outlook for LGBT students and students around them. When LGBT students have this connection and safe environment for them, they can enjoy their learning journey in the school environment with further success.

Sharing Ideas:

As I read this article, I was reminded of how great it is that RIC has a couple of organizations for LGBT students. I know from experience and from friends that it truly does help when a community has some sort of support area or organization for people who are LGBT. It creates a home-like feeling that you are not alone and everyone should be able to have that feeling.

Click here and this link will bring you to the homepage of Youth Pride Inc. of Rhode Island. They provides support, advocacy, and education for youth and young adults throughout Rhode Island who are impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. 


2 comments:

  1. Reading that 85% of LGBT students have experienced verbal harassment didn't surprise me. At this age children are brutal and verbally harass one another over everything. However, it is alarming that 18.8% report having been physically assaulted in the past year. It is evident that school policies everywhere should be carefully examined.

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  2. I read this article too and a lot of it was shocking to me which made me upset. I wish there were more kids out there that would help these harassed kids.
    I found an article online about a teen that commit suicide and he tried to get help from other kids and teachers. I was shocked that a student went to a teacher and he/she did nothing about it. :(

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