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National School Climate Survey Sheds Light on Bias/Violence Bi-Annual Study says 4 Out of 5 LGBT Students are Harassed Direct Relationship is Seen to Grades and College Aspirations Compiled By GayToday The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network

New York, New York--The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has announced the release of the 2003 National School Climate Survey. For the first time, the bi-annual study reports a direct relationship between in-school victimization, grade-point averages (GPAs) and the college aspirations of LGBT students. At the same time, more than 4 out of 5 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students report being verbally, sexually or physically harassed at school because of their sexual orientation. "This year's findings clearly demonstrate that despite modest measurable gains, violence, bias and harassment of LGBT students continues to be the rule, not the exception, in America's schools," said GLSEN Executive Director Kevin Jennings. "This research reveals what must be inherent to so many educators and parents: harassment has a negative impact on LGBT students' academic performance and college ambitions. To ignore these numbers is an irresponsible message to all students that any promise of equal access to education remains forged and fictitious." Key findings of 2003 National School Climate Survey: Unchecked harassment correlates with poor performance and diminished aspirations: LGBT youth who report significant verbal harassment are twice as likely to report they do not intend to go to college and their GPAs are significantly lower (2.9 vs. 3.3). Supportive teachers can make a difference: 24.1 percent of LGBT students who cannot identify supportive faculty report they have no intention of going to college. That figure drops to just 10.1 percent when LGBT students can identify supportive staff at their school. Policymakers have an opportunity to improve school climates: LGBT students who did not have (or did not know of) a policy protecting them from violence and harassment were nearly 40 percent more likely to skip school because they were simply too afraid to go. Harassment continues at unacceptable levels and is too often ignored: 84 percent of LGBT students report being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation. 82.9 percent of students report that faculty never or rarely intervene when present. "These numbers are a wake-up call -- and a direct challenge -- to the 41 states that so far remain without policies that explicitly protect LGBT students. We know that such policies, when fully implemented, are having a positive impact," continued Jennings. "GLSEN continues to lead efforts to institute and implement policies that work, promote successful in-school programs, and empower our nation's educators with tools and knowledge that will lead to safe and effective classrooms for all students."

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