Updated 08.17.07 Taunting and teasing
among students are rituals as old as school itself. But not every
schoolyard taunt is an innocent expression of youth. Persistent,
unwanted harassment can turn a positive educational environment into a
daily hell for its victims, with serious and negative psychological and
educational effects, especially when the harassment has a sexual
component.
According to the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network
2005 National School Climate Survey, LGBT students were
five times more likely to report having skipped school in the last month
because of safety concerns than the general population of students.
Harassment at school can have serious consequences on a students self
esteem, academic performance, his or her trust in school officials, and
a student’s sense of personal safety. As such, in 1999, the U.S. Supreme
Court determined that school districts could be held liable under
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, laws designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of
sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial
assistance.
 What's happening nationally
The
national ACLU website offers updates on relevant litigation
as well as a host of resources on
making schools safe for LGBT youth.
Get active!
Request an ACLU
speaker who
can talk about peer harassment with your community group or class.
Resources
Harassment
at School: A Guide for Teens by the ACLU of Ohio
Students! Know Your Rights!
An Introduction to Title IX Liability
by the ACLU of Ohio
The
KidsHealth website has advice for teens on dealing with bullying in
all its forms.
The website of the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
includes
frequently asked questions, a
checklist for addressing harassment, and a comprehensive
pamphlet on sexual harassment.
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