Is anti-LGBT (or anti- gay) bullying and harassment a real problem in our schools?
Anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment are serious problems in America’s schools. What should be a safe place for learning is instead a dangerous and isolating place for many students – gay and straight alike – who regularly face anti-LGBT verbal and physical attacks. Our 2005 National School Climate Survey found that more than 4 out of 5 LGBT students experience verbal, physical and sexual harassment frequently or often in their schools. A 2005 national report from GLSEN and Harris Interactive found that a majority of teachers and students across America identify bullying as a “serious problem” in their schools. 65% of America’s students report they have experiences bullying with the most common reasons for bullying being students’ physical appearance and their real or perceived sexual orientation. Fortunately these same studies found that inclusive anti-bullying and harassment policies, supportive faculty and the presence of school clubs like Gay-Straight Alliances – all cor
