A year after teen suicide spate, more gay students are speaking out, schools tak

[Shana A]

A year after teen suicide spate, more gay students are speaking out, schools taking action

By Associated Press, Published: October 22

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/a-year-after-teen-suicide-spate-more-gay-students-are-speaking-out-schools-taking-action/2011/10/22/gIQAD5rv6L_story.html

LOS ANGELES — A history teacher amends his lessons on the civil rights movement to include the push for gay equality. A high school removes Internet filters blocking gay advocacy websites. Six gay students sue their district, saying officials failed to protect them from bullies.

After anti-gay bullying led to a spate of teen suicides last year, school districts across the country are stepping up efforts to prevent such incidents, while more students are coming forward to report bullies.

"It's an issue that has taken over the public consciousness since last fall," said Jill Marcellus, spokeswoman for the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. "People realize it doesn't have to be this way. We can make it better."

[Korlee]

I still find it rather pathetic that it took them this long to figure this -DUUURRRRRR- moment out about bullying.

[Simone Louise]

I don't know whether it belongs in a separate topic, but a column by Charles Haynes in the Pocono Record http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111022/NEWS04/110220316/-1/NEWSMAP tells a similar story about the Anoka-Hennepin school district in Minnesota:

Although Anoka-Hennepin school officials claim to be taking measures to stop bullying, six students filed suit in July charging that the district has failed to address persistent and widespread harassment of GLBT students. The U.S. Department of Justice is also investigating complaints about anti-gay bullying that allegedly goes unchecked by district staff.

Eight students in the district have committed suicide in the past two years. At least four of them reportedly struggled with issues of sexual identity.

Advocates for gay students argue that district policy banning discussion of GLBT issues in the curriculum — and requiring staff to be "neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation" — marginalizes gay students and contributes to the hostile environment they experience each day.

The Minnesota Family Council and other conservative Christian groups defend the silent treatment, arguing that bullying can be adequately addressed without discussion of GLBT issues. In their view, inclusion of sexual orientation in anti-bullying policies will be used by gay activists as a gateway for promotion of homosexuality in schools.

....

When the culture war prevents inclusion of sexual orientation in anti-bullying policies, silence can equal death.

[SandraJane]

More schools take action to stem anti-gay bullying

Associated Press| By CHRISTINA HOAG | Posted on Sat, Oct. 22, 2011

http://www.kansas.com/2011/10/22/2072665/more-schools-take-action-to-stem.html



    This Sept. 23, 2011 photo shows transgender student Benji Delgadillo posing for photos at San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. In the wake of last year's spate of teen suicides spurred by anti-gay bullying, school districts are stepping up to prevent such incidents from occurring, while more students are reporting bullies.
    AntiGay Bullying

    Jae C. Hong/AP Photo


LOS ANGELES - A history teacher amends his lessons on the civil rights movement to include the push for gay equality. A high school removes Internet filters blocking gay advocacy websites. Six gay students sue their district, saying officials failed to protect them from bullies.

After anti-gay bullying led to a spate of teen suicides last year, school districts across the country are stepping up efforts to prevent such incidents, while more students are coming forward to report bullies.

Read more: http://www.kansas.com/2011/10/22/2072665/more-schools-take-action-to-stem.html#ixzz1beJ4Q8MY