Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1081161
E S P I T E C A L I F O R N I A L A W expressly protecting LGBTQ+ students, a recent Human Rights Cam- paign (HRC) Foundation survey found that these students are not receiving adequate support in their school environments. In the "California LGBTQ Youth Report," HRC and researchers at the University of Connecticut (UConn) detail the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in the Golden State, and the results show there is much work left to create safe, affirming and welcoming schools. In a survey of more than 1,700 California LGBTQ+ stu- dents ages 13-17, only one-third reported always feeling safe in their classrooms. Half of all respondents said they had been bullied because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and more than a quarter were threatened with physical violence. Only 10 percent of California LGBTQ+ youth said they felt supported by all of the people who work at their school, while 43 percent reported never being able to use the restroom or locker room that matches their gender identity. "e report clearly shows that while we have made progress in California, we still have a way to go," says CTA President Eric Heins. "All students deserve to feel safe and welcome at school. As educators, we must do all we can to build an inclusive learning environment that inspires all students." A third of survey respondents said they could "definitely be themselves at school as an LGBTQ person," while only 5 percent reported being open about their sexual orientation Support Lacking for LGBTQ+ Students Survey reveals two-thirds feel unsafe in California classrooms By Julian Peeples 15 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 019 R E S E A R C H I of LGBTQ youth say all of their school staff are supportive of LGBTQ students HRC's "California LGBTQ Youth Report" revealed that...