National School Boards Association’s Post

While LGBTQ+ students and allies protest and take action for Day of (No) Silence, it is important that we remain outspoken. As an organization with a mission of improving health and well-being for youth and communities by championing science, we’re committed to fight for evidence-based policies and practices that promote inclusivity and support the well-being of all students. With the recent tragedy of Nex Benedict, our CEO Vignetta Charles and Vice President of Science, Equity, & Integration, Madhuri Jha, MPH, LCSW, wrote an op-ed on the prioritization of supporting LGBTQ+ students. This piece not only highlights the importance of safe spaces where young people can realize their full potential, but how we owe it to LGBTQ+ youth to do better. Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q02s0g-q0 #DayOfSilence #LGBTQ #TeenHealth #AdolescentHealth #HealthEquity #Community #Inclusivity #LGBTQHealth #Health #NationalDayOfSilence #DayOfSilence24

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

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 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

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

From the Williams Institute: Our new survey of 84 LGBTQ+ college faculty finds that anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws have negatively impacted what they teach, how they interact with students, their research on LGBTQ+-related issues, and how out they are on campus and in their communities. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of the study participants said the current environment has taken a toll on their mental health, and over one-quarter (27%) said it has affected their physical health. As a result of anti-DEI laws, about half of the LGBTQ+ faculty surveyed (48%) have explored moving to another state, and 20% have actively taken steps to do so. One-third (36%) have considered leaving academia altogether.

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

Great article on key terms all school administrators and educators should know, as they lead their school community towards building more welcoming schools that create a sense of belonging for LGBTQ students. Educate yourself! #k12 #LGBTQ #students #teachers #equityineducation #equityandinclusion

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

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