Safer schools for gay students

Finally, someone in the federal administration is going to start paying attention to bullying and harassment of GLBT students and those perceived as such. I know from personal experience that once a student is the victim of school bullying, teachers and principals look the other way, and they would rather get rid of the victim than stop the harassment. Sometimes, they even encourage it or take part in it. At least our new education secretary realizes that school is for all kids--not just those who fit a certain mold. Let's hope something can be done before we lose a generation of kids.

Bullied by the bus driver

What is it with adults who not only stand by when kids get bullied, but actually lead the charge? Okay, this didn't happen in Colorado, but I'm extra-sensitive now to this kind of stuff because it IS happening in Colorado and I'm personally involved and I'm getting real close to my limit. All I can say is that if children can't depend on the adults who are supposed to take care of them and protect them, then how can we expect them to trust anyone or to grow up to be trusting and protecting adults? Now even adults are using the word "gay" to put down and attack kids.

Is the 10-year-old boy who was taunted by this school bus driver and attacked by these kids gay? Who knows? It doesn't matter. As long as school bullies AND adults believe that "gay" is the ultimate put-down--the very worst thing that you can about someone--this type of harassment will continue. Not only do we have to stop homophobia, but we have to stop kids--and, apparently, adults--from believing that calling someone "gay" is an insult--and a reason for physical violence.

Some people are gay. Get over it!

Teachers in Britain are getting special training to learn to put the kibosh on homophobic bullying in schools.

Why not in Colorado?

I know some teachers right here who could use exactly this.

The campaign is called Spell It Out and identifies ten steps teachers and administrators can take to combat anti-gay bullying:






1. Acknowledge and identify the problem
2. Develop policies and tell young people about them
3. Promote a positive social environment
4. Address staff training needs
5. Provide information and support
6. Integrate sexual orientation into the curriculum
7. Use outside experience
8. Encourage role models
9. Don't make assumptions
10. Celebrate achievements

Get more information at Get Over It and join their Facebook page here.

Homophobia in schools is still a problem

Nine in ten GLBT teens experienced verbal harassment and discrimination this past school year and almost half have been physically harassed due to their sexual orientation, claims a new study by GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network. But it's not just GLBT kids and it's not just in some faraway location. Bullies use "gay" as the ultimate putdown, and it's even used against straight kids--and right here in Colorado. I'm in the middle of a battle right now with a particular school system that refuses to intervene in a serious case of bullying, and if it continues, believe me, you'll be hearing more about it.

For help dealing with a bullying situation in school check out BullyPolice.org.

Bullies

'Bullies.'

'Bullying.'

The words sound so quaint.

Other words to describe the same behaviors as bullying don't have nearly the same innocuous ring.

Harassment.

Assault.

Sexual Assault.

Degradation.

Those words describe some of the things I've been dealing with on behalf of my nephew who is being bullied at his school.

The situation is getting worse and worse.

Dealing with the school administration is a challenging and frustrating situation to say the least.

The school's Director and teachers have been teaching me an all-new set of A,B,Cs.

A is for Always deny there's a problem.

B is for Blame the victim.

C is for Close ranks and attack.