Diana Bruce (she/her)’s Post

A sense of belonging and community is known to help students perform better in school and can also support students' mental health. Anti-DEI bills in many states are deeply impacting the mental health of LGBTQ and other underrepresented groups by limiting specialized resources for students. Learn how leaders in higher education can promote belonging and facilitate connection to better support their LGBTQ students via Inside Higher Ed: https://lnkd.in/ghY9aqEq

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

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

A new UW–Madison study sheds light on how state and local government laws, policies, and proposals limiting LGBTQ+ students’ rights have proliferated in recent years, how those policies harm students, and how states and school boards have failed to respond to federal court rulings related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Throughout the study, researchers looked into trends surrounding these policies, factors within schools proposing these policies, and other commonly found curriculum bans alongside anti-LGBTQ+ policies. To learn more, read below. https://lnkd.in/gB9cFUS9

In this article from Education Week I detail how student voice intersects with school-based LGBTQ groups. Thoughts? https://lnkd.in/ewqGdKq6 #studentvoice #lgbttqq #educationtransformation

Dive into ASBJ to explore how you can take action to create safer schools for nonbinary students. Vanessa Ford & Rebecca Kling share key principles for promoting equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ students. Let's work together to foster environments where every student can thrive!

Community partnerships can significantly enhance educational access for LGBTQ+ students in rural areas. Inclusive education fosters personal growth, but many students in these regions face unique barriers that limit their opportunities. Why collaboration matters: ✔️ Understanding and Awareness: Partnering with local organizations helps identify the specific needs and challenges of LGBTQ+ students. According to The Trevor Project, 42% of rural LGBTQ+ youth report limited access to supportive educational resources compared to their urban peers, underscoring the need for targeted support. ✔️ Shared Resources: Partnerships enable the sharing of essential educational resources, including digital tools and learning materials, making quality education more accessible in remote locations. Successful collaborations, such as those between GLSEN and rural schools, have implemented effective anti-bullying programs and inclusive curricula. ✔️ Support Networks: Establishing strong networks between educational institutions and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups creates integrated systems where students can access both emotional and academic support, helping them to thrive in school and beyond. ✔️ Teacher Training: Through specialized training from organizations experienced in diversity and inclusion, educators gain the skills needed to create safe, welcoming classroom environments. Such training ensures that all students feel seen, heard, and valued. As transgender activist Sarah McBride stated, "True equality is not just about having equal rights but also equal opportunities." This vision inspires our commitment to building partnerships that transform educational experiences, ensuring every student, regardless of identity or location, has the chance to succeed. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can further strengthen these collaborative efforts. What innovative approaches do you think would make a difference? Share your ideas below 👇 #LGBTQEducation #RuralInclusion #CommunityPartnerships #EqualOpportunities #InclusiveEducation

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

"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

Check out this recent study by Dr. Mollie McQuillan, ELPA doctoral student Benjamin Lebovitz, and doctoral student LaShanda Harbin from the Department of Educational Policy Studies! #ThisIsELPA #transgender #transgenderrights #transgenderawareness #k12 #k12education #lgbtq #lgbtqrights #educationalleadership #educationpolicy