Presentation of the lack of LGBTQ awareness and inclusion in the educational settings of the Philadelphia School District

1. “When
I started to
realize in 5th grade
that being gay wasn’t
accepted, and that most
people believed it
wasn’t real, I started
my hiding”-Cody
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/listenboy.gif

2. The lack LGBTQ awareness
and inclusion in the
classroom affects curriculum
and safety of students

3. GLESN reported
6,209 middle and high school students were surveyed
9/10 LGBT students experienced harassment in school
3/5 of the total students reported feeling unsafe in
school because of their sexual orientation

4. More Stats...
82.6 % of the LGBT students reported being verbally
harassed
73.6 % heard derogatory remarks such as “faggot” or
“dyke” frequently or often at school

5. School curriculum stats in
regards to LGBTQ awareness
and inclusion ...
http://www.anu.edu.au/anugreen/files/403_question%20mark.jpg

6. Importance of inclusive
education
Social, mental, and spiritual well-being
Safety
Understanding the experiences of all people

7. School District of
Philadelphia
http://www.coe.drexel.edu/ret/personalsites/2007/Cruz/images/sdp_350px.gif

8. Vision of School District of
Philadelphia
“The mission of the School District of Philadelphia is to
provide a high-quality education that prepares,
ensures, and empowers all students to achieve their full
intellectual and social potential in order to become
lifelong learners and productive members of society.”

9. Kaplan Inc...
Is a for-profit organization that was hired by the SDP to
create the curriculum in math, science, English, and
social studies for high school students.

10. In response to Kaplan Inc’s
curriculum
Local activist,Rita Addessa, director of The Lesbian and
Gay Task Force spoke out about the lack of multiracial,
multicultural, and gender-fair inclusion in the SDP’
curriculum

11. Policy 102
Statement: “The policy of the School District is to foster
knowledge about and respect for those of all races,
ethnic groups, social classes, genders, religions,
disabilities, sexual orientations (perceived or known)
and gender identities (perceived or known).”

12. Problem: Is Policy 102 being
met?
No clear data exist

13. Lack of Monitoring LGBTQ
inclusion and awareness
Reinforcing marginalization

14. If institutionally our
schools will not helps
us, then we will

15. Creation of
GSA’s
http://www.gbpflag.org/files/47/_photos/Newton%20North%20High
%20School%20GSA.jpg

16. Stats on GSA’s...
Of the 6,209 middle
and high school
students surveyed
36.3 % reported having
a GSA
36.3% could identify 6
or more supportive
educators

17. “When it came time to go to high school, I was afraid to
tell anyone. It took me awhile, but I really confirmed
anyone doubt the day I showed up at GSA. I said it
aloud. I had never said that I was completely gay
before, only that i was bisexual. But that day in the
library, I told everyone that I was a lesbian. People have
been really supportive of me all along, much to my
surprise...”
-Experience of a young girl who represents millions

18. GSA’s can not solve
the problem alone...

19. Community
http://www.scan.ncl.ac.uk/images/template%20header%20images/scan%20logo
%20community%20square%20colour.gif

20. “The way our society thinks about this very
important issue must change for the world to be
truly peaceful. The only thing that brings about
social change is talk. We must talk if we are
going to get things done. How can we talk if
nothing is said because it’s uncomfortable for
some? We can do it by those of us willing to
talk about tough issues getting out there and
talking about them
Josh Hoffner