John, if you want to know what’s going on in schools across the country—ask a student.
Students are KEY stakeholders, experiencing the day-to-day…every day. They are 100% of the “education constituency” impacted by local legislation and national policy but effectively zero percent of the decision making.
Thanks to donors like you, GLSEN has successfully elevated and amplified the LGBTQ+ student experience for generations. We work hand-in-hand with GSAs and support the student leaders who are helping their classmates navigate the constantly evolving hurdles young people face today.
With them as an inspiration, we will work to create genuine acceptance that embraces diversity and ensures everyone in our community can live as their truest selves. That’s a promise I make to you—and a promise that I make to the millions of students embarking on a new school year in the next few weeks.
The power of GLSEN comes from these young voices and perspectives. Their problems are very different from the ones many of you and I had growing up. The world is different. But at the same time, disenfranchisement and discrimination are still rooted in narrow-mindedness and intolerance…and are far too common in our country.
GLSEN will continue to work with students—and teachers and families and supporters like you—to promote genuine acceptance, embrace diversity, and create inclusive learning environments.
Together we will find meaningful solutions and change the course of this society to equitably support and sustain the lives of EVERYONE, regardless of who you are, what you look like, where you’re from, or who you love.
Together,
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers
Executive Director
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers/They, Them, Theirs
