Safe Schools Policies: Necessary but not Sufficient for Creating Positive School Environments for LGBTQ Students [Commentary]

Authors

Susan M. Swearer Napolitano, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2010

Citation

Sharing Child and Youth Development Knowledge (2010) 24(4): 19-20, 24. Special issue:Social Policy Report: Safe Schools Policy for LGBTQ Students.

Comments

Copyright 2010, Society for Research in Child Development. Used by permission.

Abstract

In this issue of Social Policy Report, authors Russell, Kosciw, Horn, and Saewyc review the research on LGBTQ youth and illuminate a fundamental challenge facing researchers, educators, students, families, and policymakers. They write that “homophobia and LGBTQ prejudice are daily experiences” and that the challenge facing educators is to “design supportive school climates that promote the positive development of LGBTQ and all students.” There exists in this country and in many countries around the world a huge gulf between acceptance of LGBTQ individuals and creating supportive school and work environments for all individuals. The reality is that in many communities and schools there is a profound intolerance for LGBTQ youth, in particular, and for people who are perceived as different from the normative culture. The question of the day becomes, can safe school policies really change the climate that promotes and supports homophobic beliefs?