1. Free Online Resources for Creating a Culture of Respect in your Classroom and
School
The Current State of Bullying in American Schools
The Harris Interactive Survey (link to http://www.glsen.org/cgi-
bin/iowa/all/library/record/1859.html?state=research&type=research), a recent national
survey commissioned by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, surveyed
more than 3,400 gay and straight students and 1000 educators. Some of the findings are
highlighted below.
• 65% reported verbal abuse or physical assaults rooted in homophobia and
prejudice in the past year alone.
• 84% of those surveyed reported hearing derogatory remarks such as "faggot" or
"dyke" at school.
• Nearly 70% reported hearing "gay" used in a derogatory manner.
• LGBT students are 5 times more likely to skip school and only half as likely to
pursue postsecondary education.
• The top two leading causes of abuse in schools is the way students look followed
by their perceived or actual sexual orientation.
AACP indicates that 77% of students are bullied in schools regularly, including mental,
verbal, and physical abuse. The 3rd
leading cause of death for students aged 15-24 is
suicide. For students aged 5-14 suicide is the 6th
leading cause of death.
As illustrated in recent news (link to article), even school districts are participating in the
homophobia and prejudice. Constance McMillan challenged Itawamba County School
District rules that would prevent her from escorting her girlfriend to the prom. The school
district canceled the April 2 prom after McMillen’s request.
As educators and policy makers sculpt a vision for 21st
century schools, in light of the
recent data and news, it is as necessary to look at school safety as it is technology
integration.
“Bullying is not a perennial rite of passage that educators, students, and parents are
stuck with.” –Ann Banks, Edutopia
Edutopia’s released a recent magazine article entitled Architect of Respect written by Ann
Banks, which highlighs the influence of Bob Parlin, the creator of the first Gay Straight
Alliance. At the end of the article there is an excellent resource outlining educators’ roles
in making schools safer.
Educators should “provide students with the tools to deal with conflicts, to become aware
of their feelings, and to create a respectful atmosphere that enables learning to take
place.” Below is a summary of the suggested techniques for doing just that.

2. 1. Set clear rules – Most bullying happens under the radar. 57% of students do not report
incidents because they believe educators are powerless to change the situation. Publicize
your school or classroom rules and procedures about bullying.
2. Cover bases – To reduce harassment there needs to be a three-pronged approach.
School-wide training and school-climate moderation, classroom reinforcement, and an
intervention component.
3. Help teachers – Train teachers. Teachers may feel pressure to enable, encourage or
participate in bullying Instead of ignoring or excusing bullying, teachers should be
trained to actively defend victims and interrupt bullying.
4. Think ahead – Role play situations with your students in order to help them think
through their response to bulling.
Free Online Resources for Creating a Culture of Respect
The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network http://www.glsen.org/cgi-
bin/iowa/all/home/index.html
Browse the extensive library of resources including anti-bullying techniques, a Safe
School Campaign Kit, k-12 curricula and lesson plans, research, reports, and much more.
Teaching Tolerance http://www.tolerance.org/
Browse this site for a plethora of resources including professional development materials,
classroom activities, lesson plans, free curriculum packets, videos, and so much more. Be
sure to check out their featured activity, “What’s so Bad About ‘That’s so Gay!”
applicable to grades 3 – 8 (link - http://www.tolerance.org/activity/thats-so-gay).
Think B4 You Speak Campaign http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/
The mission of this campaign is to raise awareness about the prevalence and
consequences of anti-LGBT bias and behavior in America’s schools. Browse the site for
free posters, education guides, and more educational resources.
The Trevor Project http://www.thetrevorproject.org/home1.aspx
• A website that focuses on crisis and suicide prevention among kids in the high-
risk GLBT student population. Browse this site for warning signs, survival kits,
and school workshop materials.