We chose to talk about LGBTQ…. What do you think that has to do with child abuse? We chose to talk about LGBTQ…. What do you think that has to do with child abuse?

Defining the Problem Extranormal Video “Facts and Statistics”

Vote with your feet… How comfortable do you feel about confronting harassment of LGBTQ students at your school? Very Comfortable……I have basic ideas a…..…..I have no clue

What do you think you need in order to feel more comfortable confronting bullying/harassment of LGBTQ students?

Vote with your feet Is CPS required to respond to a report about the harassment of LGBTQ students? Yes……………Not sure……………..No

CPS will make sure your child is safe, will arrange for medical care, and counseling (cfchildren.org)

Vote with your feet… How informed were you about your schools policy regarding bullying? Very informed………..sort of informed…………..clueless

Defining the Problem GLESN YouTube Video:

What Can You Do Chalk Talk What can you do school-wide to create a supportive / accepting environment for LGBTQ students? Set the tone at the beginning of the year that your class is safe and accepting place. Don’t let comments go unaddressed. Set up a GSA or support group. Have a comprehensive bullying policy that has specific language about LGBTQ student bullying/harassment. Address the issue in conjunction with school sports. Create a clear and excplicit school-wide no tolerance policy. Be a role model in staff meetings. Insert studies of LGBTQ people in with curriculum. Have an awareness assembly.

What can you do in your class to create a supportive / accepting environment for LGBTQ students? Create a positive classroom culture from day one. Practice acceptable behavior. Create clear and positive expectations and be an example. Post visible info. about the school’s Gay Straight Alliance. Put a safe space emblem on your door. Consistently enforce your expectations. Review, Repeat, Review. Analyze language, positioning theory, media sources, create diversity projects. Address homophobia in world-wide contexts. Class Rules Integrate tolerance and the work of those who have had tremendous achievements in the curriculum. Do community building exercises and games to build trust and friendships. If you are gay, be a role model. Include this behavior as a classroom rule or guideline and re-address throughout the year.

What can students do to create a supportive / accepting environment for LGBTQ students? Form a GSA ASB and assembly Point out the inacceptable behavior to a teacher or adult. Zero tolerance policy among peers. Teach them to be reflective of their own actions and behaviors and feelings. Educate their peers on the harm they can cause. Be educated about LGBTQ issues and hear stories; make connections. Model and require respectful communication in class. Demonstrate courage in identifying/stopping problem behavior. Acknowledge their own behavior (both positive and negative) All kids need to be leaders. Talk about it before it happens.

What can parents and guardians do? Model appropriate behavior. Point out derogatory remarks whenever you hear them. Participate in a GSA. Advocate for their children or other children by promoting positive school community and by talking with PTSA. Listen in (during the carpool, etc.) Participate in school assemblies. Talk to your children and know what’s happening in their lives. Attend workshops designed to help your child if they have been bullied.

What to do if there is bullying / harassment Adopt explicit protective policies (WA state model) Provide training for students and all school staff. Collect data (qualitative and quantitative) to track harassment. Safe Schools Coalition School wide:

1. Stop the behavior. Cut it out! /Leave him alone!/ That was uncalled for! 2. Educate about stereotypes, bullying, sexual harassment. 3. Bottom line is that seeing you stand up against bullying will make every child feel safer at school. Teacher : Students:  Speak up! Be an activist, confide on someone, be supportive. Parents and Guardians:  Model compassion and respect for all kinds of people.  Be an activist with and for your child.  Help your children find niches outside school where they can belong.

Safe Schools Coalition Model School Policy Educators are Required to… Intervene immediately to stop any harassment, intimidation, violence, or threat against a student. Interrupt student name-calling (e.g. “That’s so gay”) Do not tell or allow students to tell “gay jokes”. Refrain from frequent commentary on your personal beliefs regarding sexual orientation. Stick to facts, model non-inflammatory response. Correct students’ language for classroom discussion.

Safe Schools Coalition Model School – Educators are Allowed to… Use age-appropriate materials. Refer to and discuss sexual orientation of authors, fictional characters, or historical figures. Choose to “come out” to students or to not do so. Listen and talk supportively to students who “come out” to you. Inform students of resources available. Mention the fact that GLBT people exist in our society. Facilitate student discussion of these topics.

One specific strategy for creating a safe environment for LGBTQ students: Set up a Gay-Straight Alliance Image from:

How to set up a GSA: (info from gsanetwork.org) Follow Guidelines – find out how to set up any kind of student club at your school Find a Faculty Advisor Inform Administration of your plans – if you encounter resistance, let people know that the Federal Equal Access Act protects your right to start a GSA

How to Set up a GSA Recruit members: ask guidance counselors and social workers to help, put up signs and posters, do not get discouraged Get Food Hold your meeting: establish ground rules Develop an action plan: talk about goals, brainstorm activities, get connected to other GSAs

How to Run a GSA Some Ideas: Register your GSA with the GSA network Create ground rules to promote safety during meetings Work to promote tolerance around the school Form a coalition with other GSAs Participate in local and national advocacy events Host a school-wide event: consider recruiting a public speaker to talk during a school assembly Create and put up posters that promote tolerance

Questions?

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