GLSEN Congratulates its Founder Kevin Jennings on Being Named Arcus Foundation Executive Director

NEW YORK - JULY 13, 2012 - The following is a statement from GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard about today's announcement of GLSEN founder Kevin Jennings being named Executive Director of the Arcus Foundation. A former educator, Kevin Jennings founded GLSEN in 1990.

"In bringing Kevin Jennings to the Arcus Foundation, Jon Stryker and the Foundation Board have chosen an innovative and dynamic individual to lead an institution that has long been a strategic philanthropic leader on LGBT and conservation issues. I am proud and privileged to have worked alongside Kevin for more than a decade, and to have learned from a determined pioneer who paved the way for victories and advances that many once thought impossible. As a founding leader of the Safe Schools Movement, he tackled some of the most urgent and difficult issues confronting the LGBT community despite the violent hostility of those determined to impede progress. Kevin is certain to bring the same insight and commitment to bear on the foundation's next chapter of bold leadership in the world of strategic philanthropy."

ABOUT GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & 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.