Three in four elementary school students (75%) say that their classmates are called names, made fun of, or bullied on a regular basis, according to the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Students cite “spaz,” “retard,” and “that’s so gay” as the prejudice-based insults they hear most regularly in their schools.
A majority of teachers (85%) have received professional development training on issues related to racial and ethnic diversity, but fewer than half have received specific training on gender issues (37%) or on non-traditional families (23%). Likewise, 72% of students say they have been taught that there are many different kinds of families, though only 18% have learned about families with gay or lesbian parents.
Source: Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, Andy Marra, 90 Broad St., 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10004; 646-388-6575; amarra@glsen.org; www.glsen.org.
© Copyright 2012, EPM Communications, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of publisher.