LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Who's Who Survey Shows More Student Homophobia |
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, GLSEN, expressed alarm at the results of a survey conducted by Whos Who Among American High School Students. The poll, which surveyed over 3,000 achieving 16-18 year old students, revealed that 48% admit they are prejudiced against gay people. This represents an increase of 19 percentage points from last years survey. "This startling increase is a wake up call for administrators and teachers who believe they are doing enough to teach their students the values of diversity and respect," said GLSEN Executive Director Kevin Jennings. "These numbers suggest that homophobia is one of the last of the socially-accepted prejudices, especially in our schools. Our schools are failing here." Though alarmed by the findings, Jennings says the increase is not entirely surprising. Political leaders and sports stars, such as Trent Lott and Reggie White, respectively, participated in one of the most public anti-gay crusades ever, last summer. "Students live up to the standards we set for them. When role models say that accepting diversity isnt important, students take the message to heart," he continued. GLSEN notes that the failure of schools to address these prejudices contributes to: 18% of male college students claiming they have used violence against their LGBT peers LGBT youth being four times as likely as others to be threatened with a weapon in school LGBT youth being five times as likely to have skipped school once a month due to feeling unsafe. "Those who believe our schools should teach respect for every American student need to be alarmed by these findings," he continued. "Prejudice prevents children from accessing the education our country promises to all. When we tolerate that prejudice, we ensure that divisiveness and hatred will continue to be part of our national fabric." The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is the only organization dedicated to ending anti-gay bias in Americas schools. Established nationally in 1994, GLSEN now has over 80 chapters. For more information, visit www.glsen.org. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 15, November 20, 1998. |