Before a school can be inclusive of all students, it must be safe for all students. Your school’s anti-bullying policy or code of conduct is the most public statement of its commitment to student safety. A strong policy protects all students, but many schools need explicit guidance on safeguarding LGBTIQ+ students.

• Include language specifically prohibiting harassment based on nonconformity to gender norms, gender identity and gender expression.

• Give examples of harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of your school’s anti-bullying program annually using student and staff surveys.

• Designate an anti-bullying coordinator as well as an anti-bullying task force. Staff members specifically trained to prevent and respond to bullying incidents play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining your school’s anti-bullying program and are essential if a bullying incident occurs.

• Communicate effectively and often with students, parents or guardians, and the community about school climate issues such as bullying. Post the name and contact information for your school’s anti-bullying coordinator in the office, on the school website and in the student handbook.

• Ensure that reactions to reports of harassment do not further stigmatize students who were targeted for their real or perceived LGBTIQ+ identities.

• Educate teachers and administrators about common bullying myths, such as the idea that LGBTIQ+ students are “asking for it,” by expressing their sexual orientations or dressing in their preferred manners.

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GET STARTED

 

Review your current anti-bullying policy. Don’t forget to get input from students, parents, guardians, educators and the community.