Survey: 1 in 5 Gay Minn. Students Has Been Bullied

According to a new survey produced by the New York-based Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, the majority of gay students in Minnesota have experienced some form of harassment in school.

The data, which was gathered from 181 Minnesota teenagers, revealed that among students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, 80% had experienced verbal harassment in school because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As for physical mistreatment, 47% said they had been subject to harassment such as pushing, while 19% said they had been assaulted (kicked, punched, or violently injured).

In addition, nearly all of those surveyed said they regularly heard the word "gay" used in a derogatory manner.

"More needs to be done to ensure that LGBT students are safe and have an equal opportunity to learn," said Joseph Kosciw, a senior director with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, who released the results of the Minnesota study Monday.

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