words and harassment are things that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students deal with everyday in our schools and communities. Making schools a safe place for all children, particularly GLBT students, is difficult and an issue that many prefer would go away. Unfortunately, school administrators, teachers, school board members, other school personnel such as nurses, guidance counselors and social workers, as well as parents and students, are hampered by the lack of information and resources for teaching and meeting the educational needs of GLBT students.
The emergence of the GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force in April 2002 was critical in filling this information gap and in improving the safety and awareness of GLBT students in Iowa. The Task Force was initiated as a partnership with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, and is a broad-based coalition, comprised of representatives from major statewide education organizations and leaders in the civil rights, gay/lesbian and business community.
The Task Force’s mission is to increase understanding in local school districts and communities about GLBT students, increase awareness and address the inequities regarding safety of GLBT students in Iowa, and improve school climate in order to increase the personal safety, mental health, and achievement levels of GLBT students. In our short existence, we have helped create safer schools for GLBT students.
Click here to find out more.
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