Andrea Bown’s Post

As national debates over what should be taught in K-12 schools continue, our team's new report brings together views of teachers, teens and the U.S. public to examine how these debates are playing out in the classroom. Some key findings: ➡ A sizeable share (41%) of public K-12 teachers say these debates have had a negative impact on their ability to do their job. ➡ 71% of teachers say teachers themselves don't have enough influence over what's taught in public schools in their area. ➡ 38% of teens say they feel comfortable when topics related to racism or racial inequality come up in class (among those who say these topics have come up). A smaller share (29%) say they feel comfortable when topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity come up. ➡ Among the American public, more say parents should be able to opt their children out of learning about LGBTQ issues than say the same about topics related to race (54% vs. 34%). Check out the report for more: https://lnkd.in/eFy5fpE9

Excited to share the new report we have been working on at Pew Research Center: In the midst of national debates on what schools should be teaching, we asked public K-12 teachers, teens and the public how they see topics related to race and LGBTQ issues playing out in the classroom. Some key takeaways here: 👉 When it comes to the national debates about what schools should be teaching, a sizeable share of teachers (41%) say these debates have had a negative impact on their ability to do their job. 👉 Most (71%) of teachers say teachers themselves don’t have enough influence over what’s taught in public schools in their area. But a majority (58%) say their state government has too much influence. 👉 Most teachers (64%) say students should learn that the legacy of slavery still affects Black Americans today, while half say students should not learn about gender identity in school. Check out more here: https://lnkd.in/eS26du3n

🔍 New Research Alert: Exploring School Safety and Wellbeing for the LGBTQ+ Community 📚🌈 Excited to share my latest research on school safety, interpersonal challenges, and self-harm among LGBTQ+ students, staff, and parents. This study sheds light on unique experiences and concerns, offering crucial implications for creating inclusive and supportive school environments. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) individuals often face challenges in school settings. My study, encompassing 1926 students, 198 staff, and 180 parents, delves into perceptions of safety, interpersonal challenges, and self-harm across different roles, school types, locations, and gender identities. Results reveal that LGBTQ+ students, staff, and parents encounter similar concerns, with students showing a higher prevalence across all indicators. Students in government/public, religious affiliated, and nonmetropolitan schools, as well as transgender and gender diverse students, reported particularly high levels of distress. This research emphasizes the need for school-wide interventions to foster positive climates, focusing on safety, anti-bullying, and self-harm tailored to LGBTQ+ community members' needs. Creating safe and inclusive school environments is pivotal for LGBTQ+ wellbeing. This research aims to be a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and advocates striving towards this essential goal. 🔗 [https://lnkd.in/ezYBK6SN ] #LGBTQ #Research #Education #SchoolSafety #Inclusion #MentalHealth #AntiBullying

Today is GLSEN's National Day of (No) Silence, a day dedicated to recognizing the effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools. Participating in the day of silence "speaks" volumes, and I'm proud to say that our office held a moment of silence this morning to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. With over 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year, it's crucial to acknowledge and stand up against these bills that impact millions in the community. These bills are catalysts that lead to bullying, harassment, discrimination, and hate crimes in schools, the workplace, public settings, and even our own homes. Let's all take a moment today to reflect on the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and actively work towards a future where everyone feels accepted and valued. Check out the link for more information on GLSEN and the history of Day of (No) Silence. #DayOfNoSilence #LGBTQ+ #GLSEN #TEKsystems

"Beginning Aug. 1, LGBTQ+ students across the United States are poised to earn unprecedented federal protection from discrimination under a sweeping overhaul of the federal law known as Title IX. That is, if the new rules take effect. For more than a half-century, Title IX has protected students at publicly funded colleges and K-12 schools from discrimination “on the basis of sex.” The new rules explicitly clarify that this includes bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity, expanding the definition of harassment and compelling schools to swiftly address it. In a firestorm of dissent, at least 20 states have taken steps to keep the rules from going into effect, and numerous lawsuits allege government overreach. Meanwhile, some mental health professionals say the changes could vastly improve campus life for students who often feel marginalized." #TitleIX #Sex #Discrimination #Harassment #GenderIdentity #SexualOrientation #Students #K12 #HigherEd https://lnkd.in/gE9tQgZd

Today is Day of (No) Silence—a day filled with action and support for LGBTQ+ youth across the country experiencing silencing and erasure in schools. While historically participants have taken a vow of silence, GLSEN is encouraging active advocacy and dialogue to combat the surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and to foster inclusivity in educational spaces. We’re just 4 months into the year, and already over 475 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced. Over 80% of LGBTQ+ students report feeling unsafe at school. Given these alarming statistics, the urgency to mobilize for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity has never been greater. Learn how to rise up, speak out, and take action for a brighter future here: glsen.org/dayofnosilence

In 1996, two students at the University of Virginia started Day of Silence, a peaceful protest against anti-LGBT hate speech and harassment. Students would refrain from speaking throughout the day, culminating in Breaking the Silence rallies. Lead by GLSEN, the day is now called Day of (No) Silence in order to encourage a day of action: "With more than 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year, we must Rise Up and Take Action. GLSEN’s Day of NO Silence is a nationally-recognized student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country—and the world— protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools. Silent Option: For those who may not feel safe or comfortable speaking out, the option of participating in a silent protest remains available. This ensures that everyone can contribute to the movement in a manner that aligns with their comfort level." Learn more about Day of (No) Silence and how you can get involved: https://buff.ly/49R98ie #YWBoston #DEI #DayOfSilence #DayOfNoSilence #BreakingtheSilence #RiseUpandTakeAction #RiseUpForLGBTQ

New article I wrote for Born This Way Foundation for Channel Kindness: "How Schools Can Ensure The Safety + Support for Transgender + Nonbinary Students" https://lnkd.in/dmWXMvPz #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #pride #pridemonth #Pride2024 #transrights #transrightsarehumanrights

L is for LGBTQIA+ 🌈 Teaching children about LGBTQIA+ identities is crucial for fostering empathy, respect, and inclusivity from a young age. It helps children understand and appreciate diversity in all its forms, laying the groundwork for a more accepting and equitable society. 1. Promoting Understanding and Acceptance: Educating children about different sexual and gender identities helps dispel myths and stereotypes. It encourages them to be more accepting of others, regardless of their identity. 2. Building Empathy: Understanding the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals fosters empathy. Children learn to support and stand up for their peers, creating a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone. 3. Encouraging Respect: Teaching these terms emphasizes the importance of respecting everyone's identity. Children learn that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness. 4. Supporting Mental Health: An inclusive environment where children feel understood and accepted can significantly improve mental health outcomes. It reduces feelings of isolation and promotes a sense of belonging. 5. Relating to Antiracism: Understanding and respecting diversity in sexual and gender identities is a key aspect of broader antiracist education. Both involve recognizing and challenging systems of oppression and discrimination. Teaching children about LGBTQIA+ identities alongside antiracism helps them see the interconnectedness of various forms of prejudice and the importance of fighting for equality for all. By integrating LGBTQIA+ education with antiracism, parents and educators can help build a generation that values diversity, champions equality, and works towards a more just and inclusive world. "Teach Me Antiracism: Allyship" offers an age-appropriate approach to equipping children with this essential vocabulary. Get your copy here: https://a.co/d/air1eoD #LGBTQIA #Diversity #Inclusion #Pride #Understanding #Antiracism #Education #Empathy #Respect #MentalHealth

In recent months, the well-being of LGBTQ+ students has become increasingly concerning. Discover methods to offer intersectional #MentalHealth services to better address their needs. https://bit.ly/3L1YE4J #LGBTQStudents #StudentMentalHealh #SupportStudents