Ensuring a Safe and Inclusive School Environment for LGBTQ Students

Presented by the Center for Education Equity (CEE), the Region I equity assistance center as designated by the Department of Education. Through the CEE, AIR is working with WestEd and the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium to address problems in public schools caused by segregation and inequities.

How can we affirm and support LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or queer) students and their families in schools? Although a lot of progress has been made in shifting public opinion in the last decade, LGBTQ students still face high incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. What can educators do to support these students and ensure they are given every opportunity to succeed?

In this webinar, hear from presenters as they share diverse perspectives and strategies on how to create safe and positive school environments to protect the civil rights and socio-emotional well-being of LGBTQ students.

The webinar will cover:

• Strategies, best practices, and policy recommendations to ensure a safe and supportive school climate regardless of a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
• The law and how it covers LGBTQ students
• Resources available to administrators, educators, and families to better support the needs of LGBTQ youth to improve student learning

Presenters

Neena Chaudhry, Director of Education and Senior Counsel, National Women’s Law Center

Deborah Bradley and Stephen Hamilton, Parents of Transgender Daughter and Parent Group Facilitators (MA)

Jabari Lyles, Executive Director, GLSEN Maryland

Christian McCormick, Transgender Student, Lafayette High School (KY)