Just the Facts Coalition Releases Spanish Language Version of Resource about Sexual Orientation and Youth

NEW YORK - GLSEN is pleased to announce that a coalition of 13 education, health, mental health and religious organizations this week released a Spanish language version of Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel. The new resource is called Solo los hechos sobre la orientacion sexual y la Juventud: Una guia para directores de escuelas, educadores y personal escolar and can be downloaded here.

The publication serves as a guide for school administrators who confront sensitive issues involving gay, lesbian and bisexual students. It is intended to help these professionals foster safe and healthy school environments, in which all students can achieve to the best of their ability. Just the Facts includes the most recent information from professional health organizations, as well as up-to-date information on the legal responsibility of school officials to protect students from anti-gay harassment.

The coalition issued the following joint statement:

"In addition to assault and harassment, gay, lesbian and bisexual students experience high rates of emotional distress and suicide attempts - a reality brought to the nation's attention recently in several tragic cases. The opportunity for students to learn and succeed in school is diminished when they do not feel safe or supported. It is our responsibility to provide accurate and factual information. We believe this publication and the new Spanish translation will be a valuable tool to help educators, administrators and others concerned with caring for America's students."

Members of the coalition are the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Counseling Association, the American Association of School Administrators, the American Federation of Teachers, the American Psychological Association, the American School Counselor Association, the American School Health Association, the Interfaith Alliance Foundation, the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Social Workers, the National Education Association and the School Social Work Association of America.

About GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.