Making the grade for all students

NEA Today, Jan 1999

A typical high school student hears anti-gay slurs up to 26 times a dayand faculty intervene only 3 percent of the time. Nineteen percent of gay and lesbian students suffer physical attacks based on sexual orientation; 13 percent skip school at least once a month; 26 percent drop out.

Grading Our Schools, a recent report endorsed by NEA, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Association of School Psychologists, graded 42 of the nation's largest public school districts on how well they protect gay and lesbian students and teachers from harassment and discrimination.

The average grade: D.

Only eight districts received an A. They had policies that:

Protect students and teachers from harassment and discrimination.

Provide staff with workshops and training.

Support curriculum that includes information about the lives and contributions of gay and lesbian people.

Allow and support the formation of Gay/Straight Alliances and other clubs addressing homophobia and heterosexism in school.

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, 212/727-0135, www.glsen.org