Meghan Ryan
June 28, 2022
It’s important for schools to be welcoming places for students of all backgrounds and identities. When students have support from teachers and staff, they have a strong foundation that helps them reach their full learning potential.
However, that’s not a reality for all students. According to GLSEN, a group founded by teachers who are focused on creating a better environment for LGBTQ students, over 59% of LGBTQ students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, and nearly 45% feel unsafe due to their gender expression. Without a safe space at school, students are less likely to learn, more likely to act out, and more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
It’s up to teachers, school administrators, and staff to actively work on creating a more welcoming school community in which everyone feels accepted. To give you a few starting points, we’ve sourced these tips from GLSEN. Read and share to spread awareness.
