Dallas Schools Adopt LGBT Protections

The Dallas Independent School District passed an antibullying policy Thursday that includes protections for LGBT students and is believed to be the first of its kind for a Texas school district.

According to The Dallas Morning News, the board voted unanimously after hearing from a half dozen speakers. The school district began considering a policy in response to the series of LGBT youth suicides, but its first proposal was criticized as too broad.

"The policy approved Thursday night is lengthy, detailed and takes effect immediately," reported the Morning News. "The district's definition of bullying ranges from hitting, intimidation and flashing gang signs to making fun of students because of their national origin, family background, political beliefs and other reasons. It also includes provisions about cyberbullying and cyberstalking."

In addition, "The policy tasks teachers with fostering an environment of tolerance and respect in school. At the beginning of each school year, teachers and DISD employees will go through training on how to notice, report and investigate bullying."

Punishments for students who bully could range from counseling to expulsion depending on the circumstances.