In September of last year, the ACLU wrote to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), offering a model federal legislative solution to the problem of homophobic discrimination and harassment in U.S. public schools — the Student Non-Discrimination Act (S. 555/H.R. 998). This legislation would have a profound impact on the lives of students who find themselves singled out at school based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
On Wednesday we got some great news when UNESCO announced they were launching a new international effort to combat racism and intolerance in schools, with the full backing of the U.S. government. The effort, “Teaching Respect for All,” is designed to develop curriculum for use across the globe to promote tolerance and respect for all people. It is our hope that “Teaching Respect for All” will help the Student Non-Discrimination Act come to be seen as one of the most important steps the U.S. can take in this area.
This legislation is sorely needed. On the same day as UNESCO launched their anti-discrimination effort, GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) released a new report on anti-LGBT bias, homophobia and gender nonconformity in elementary schools. In it, they emphasize that it’s never too early to start fostering a safe school environment, and that as early as elementary school, LGBT and gender nonconforming students are increasingly vulnerable to discrimination and harassment and are more likely than other students to be called names or be the victims of bullying. But it’s not just elementary school that’s the problem: a 2009 study of more than 7,000 LGBT middle and high school students across the U.S. found that nine out of ten reported experiencing harassment at their school within the past year based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, and two-thirds said they felt unsafe at school because of who they are.
We have an obligation to all students to provide a safe, nurturing environment at school, and if Congress passes this bill, we’ll be taking a big step in that direction. Please stand with the ACLU in support of LGBT students by urging your members of Congress to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act today.
