GLSEN's national work to make schools safe for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, is supported in various communities by GLSEN Chapters.
Because of their position and connections within the local community, GLSEN Chapters have the ability to be among the first responders and to offer long-term support when anti-LGBT bullying situations arise. Chapters have provided support to students, parents, teachers, school board members and administrators in addressing the issues of anti-LGBT bullying in schools. Chapters have also advocated for comprehensive, enumerated policies at the school, district and state level to protect all students.
Some examples of GLSEN Chapters working to address bullying in their local communities:
California – After hearing of a school’s endorsement of Proposition 8, GLSEN San Diego partnered with a GSA at that school to run a GSA Summit to support the students in safe schools leadership
Florida - GLSEN Tampa has encouraged district-wide activities for No Name-Calling Week in Pasco County including a Creative Expressions contest involving elementary, middle and high school students
Michigan - Chapters have been involved in state-wide efforts for the past few years to pass a comprehensive, enumerated safe schools law that would standardize the district policies across the state.
New Jersey - GLSEN Central New Jersey is involved in the work of the NJ Governor's Commission on Bullying and Harassment to assess the current safe schools climate in NJ and the existing policies and programs set up to address school-based bullying and harassment. The commission will be providing recommendations to the Governor for moving forward.
New York - GLSEN Rochester is training the entire Rochester City School district's secondary school staff.
Pennsylvania – GLSEN Pittsburgh responded to a local school board member’s use of a homophobic slur by reaching out to local media to draw attention to the problem and offering training on safe schools issues to the board.
Virginia – Upon reports of a GSA not being given equal access, GLSEN Northern Virginia worked with Prince William County to ensure that all schools are following district policies on allowing Gay Straight Alliances equal access to school resources.
Washington - GLSEN Washington State supported student participants in the Day of Silence at Mount Si High School when a religious group protested outside the school on that day by participating in and facilitating media requests and facilitating positive dialogue with the school board.
