News
2007-09-14
Study: GSAs
show positive effect in schools
Secondary
institutions that have gay-straight alliances provide a more
positive learning environment for LGBT students than schools
Secondary
institutions that have gay-straight alliances provide a more
positive learning environment for LGBT students than schools
that don't, according to a study released
Wednesday. The study, sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian,
and Straight Education Network, also found that the
students in GSA schools are less likely to hear homophobic
remarks and slurs in the classroom than students
in non-GSA schools.
GSAs also
affect classroom performance. LGBT students enrolled in
schools with GSAs are prone to feel safer and thereby
miss fewer classes. Fifty-two percent of students in
schools with a GSA said that the faculty, staff, and
administrators are supportive of LGBT pupils.
Social and
population research in the study shows that youths in
Southern and rural areas are less likely to have
access to LGBT resources in school. Research also
identified African-American students as least likely
among ethnic groups to have access to a GSA.
Eliza Byard,
GLSEN interim executive director, said in a statement that
the research provided proof that youths are showing a desire
to make schools safer.
"Educators and
policy makers need to match that commitment by
providing additional educational interventions that assist
and support GSAs," Byard said. "Through comprehensive
safe-schools policies that specifically address sexual
orientation and teacher trainings on anti-LGBT
bullying and harassment, schools can show an even greater
dedication to making sure that every child has a safe
environment in which to learn." (The
Advocate)
Click here to follow The Advocate on Twitter.
Page 1 of 1