Anti-Gay Bullying in Schools: A Fractured Response to a Growing Crisis

Strategic Insights -

School officials across the country are grappling with how to address anti-gay bullying, as a recent spate of teen suicides linked to harassment has highlighted the need for more effective prevention strategies. The issue has taken on a highly charged ideological dimension, with gay-rights supporters advocating for programs that specifically address harassment of gay youth, while conservative groups condemn this approach as manipulative and unnecessary. At the heart of the controversy is the question of how to balance the rights and needs of all students in the face of deeply entrenched biases and prejudices.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 2009 survey of 7,261 students by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) found that only 18% of schools had a comprehensive program addressing anti-gay bullying, while gay students in schools with such programs were less likely to be victimized and more likely to report problems to staff.
  • The Anoka-Hennepin School District in Minnesota, which has reviewed its anti-bullying strategies in the aftermath of a gay student's suicide, has been criticized by both sides for its "neutrality" policy, which has led to perceptions that teachers are reluctant to intervene in anti-gay harassment.
  • The national Safe Schools Improvement Act, which would require schools receiving federal funds to implement bullying prevention programs specifically addressing anti-gay harassment, has bipartisan support but faces uncertain prospects due to the November 2nd election.
  • Gay rights groups, such as GLSEN and OutFront Minnesota, argue that policies must "name the problem" in order to be effective in reducing anti-gay bullying, while conservative groups, such as the Minnesota Family Council, claim that this approach is unnecessary and manipulative.
  • At least four young teens have killed themselves since July after being targeted by anti-gay bullying, including Justin Aaberg, 15, of Andover, Minn., and Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-old college freshman who killed himself after being humiliated online.
  • The Anoka-Hennepin district has seen five student suicides in the past year, with gay-rights advocates suggesting that bullying may have played a role in at least two of these cases.

Statistics:

  • 18% of schools have a comprehensive program addressing anti-gay bullying (GLSEN, 2009)
  • Gay students in schools with anti-bully programs are less likely to be victimized (63% vs. 39%) and more likely to report problems to staff (86% vs. 46%) (GLSEN, 2009)
  • Over 90% of teens report hearing anti-gay comments, while one in five report witnessing anti-gay harassment at school (GLSEN, 2009)
  • 65% of gay students report feeling unsafe at school due to anti-gay bullying (GLSEN, 2009)

Sources:

  • Associated Press, "Anti-gay bullying prompts rethinking by schools" (October 2010)
  • Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, "2009 National School Climate Survey" (2009)
  • Minnesota Family Council, "The Need for Anti-Bullying Policies" (2010)
  • OutFront Minnesota, "Statement on Anoka-Hennepin School District" (October 2010)