Safer Schools: Creating Positive Climate and Education Outcomes for LGBT Students

Science Center A155

Why are LGBTQ students consistently rejected of their rights and privileges within our education system and schools? How can policy makers and school officials create positive school climate to ensure the success and inclusivity of the LGBTQ community? Currently, many programs and policies do not fully address, or rather completely dismiss, the relevance of positive school climate. Studies have demonstrated that LGBTQ students who planned to drop out, most commonly reported hostile or unsupportive school environments as a reason for leaving school (GLSEN). Through the analysis of previous protection policies, as well as the careful examination of individual intervention programs as my case studies, I will propose ways to work at both the federal and community levels to create a change in school climate nationally. In other words, I will be coming up with clear solutions and recommendations to change school climate nationally so that LGBTQ students are more successful and experience the school environment as a place where they are safe and accepted.