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It has become a norm for LGBTQ students in secondary schools in Louisiana to hear remarks regarding their sexuality, according to the GLSEN, a national education organization.
GLSEN, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, recently released a report documenting the experiences of 23,001 nationwide, including 297 students from Louisiana. According to the National School Climate survey, Louisiana schools are not safe for most lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students in secondary schools.
Among the results, nine percent of LGBT students said they experienced verbal harassment at school based on sexual orientation, and 67 percent experienced verbal harassment at school based on gender expression. The report also shared statistics on school policies and supports for the state’s LGBT students. 32 percent surveyed also heard school staff make homophobic remarks and most LGBTQ students expiring victimization at school.
“I feel that professors should have sensitivity training,” Tracy Mays said. “They shouldn’t continue to disrespect LGTBQ students and allow hate speech in the classrooms.”
Mays said he does hear remarks from a “handful” of students. However many are accepting and willing to learn without judgment.