Hello, GLSEN’s Research Institute just released the 2021 National School Climate Survey report, and we wanted to share it with you here first.
GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey is the only national survey that specifically examines the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth at school. The report provides advocates, policymakers, organizers, and other school stakeholders with an urgent call to action to make schools a safer place for LGBTQ+ youth. |
To hear about the results of the survey and our recommendations to improve school climate, join our free webinar tomorrow, Wednesday October 19th at 4:00pm ET. |
Unfortunately, the results of this survey have consistently indicated that schools are hostile environments for most LGBTQ+ students due to: - Anti-LGBTQ+ language from both students and educators
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Experiences of harassment and assault
- Anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination
- Lack of supportive resources
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Infographic created by Dio Cramer |
Here are some key findings from this year’s report: - The vast majority of LGBTQ+ students who attended school in-person at some point during the 2021–2022 academic year (83.1%) experienced in-person harassment or assault based on personal characteristics, including sexual orientation, gender expression, gender, religion, actual or perceived race and ethnicity, and actual or perceived disability.
- 31.2% of students were physically harassed (pushed or shoved) in the past year based on their sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender.
- The percentage of LGBTQ+ students who have a GSA available at their school has dropped significantly since 2019. Access to LGBTQ+ inclusive books and resources and the supportive school personnel has also decreased.
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Only 16.3% of LGBTQ+ students were taught positive representations about LGBTQ+ people, history, or events in their schools.
- LGBTQ+ students of color were more likely to experience multiple forms of victimization compared to white LGBTQ+ students.
- Overall, transgender and nonbinary students experience more hostile school climate than cisgender LGBQ students.
There is an urgent need for action to create safe and affirming learning environments for LGBTQ+ students.
The results from the 2021 National School Climate Survey show that the presence of school-based supports – such as supportive staff, inclusive and supportive school policies, curricular resources inclusive of LGBTQ+ people, and GSAs – can positively affect LGBTQ+ students’ school experiences. These supports are essential in creating school environments where ALL students can thrive.
Joe Kosciw, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Pronouns: He, Him, His |
