GLSEN Expresses Concern as Iowa School Postpones Disney Trip Due to "Gay Days"

The leading national organization working to end anti-gay discrimination and harassment in America’s schools today expressed concern over the decision of Creston High School officials in Creston, Iowa, to postpone a band trip to Orlando that was to coincide with the city’s Gay Days festival. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, said the decision and resulting controversy may further isolate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in local schools.

"This decision reinforces harmful stereotypes, and sends a devastating message to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and their supporters involved in the band program, school and community," stated GLSEN Executive Director Kevin Jennings. "Regardless of motive, the school has sent a message that may lead some to conclude that ‘gay is bad’ - a message with dangerous and unacceptable consequences in school."

While not asking for the school to reconsider its decision, GLSEN urged school officials today to take specific action to make clear, in both the school and community, that LGBT students, like all others, deserve a harassment-free learning environment in which they are safe and respected.

"While school officials have made efforts to assure the public that the decision was not motivated by bias, it is important that they leave no one confused about the school’s commitment to providing a safe learning environment for LGBT students," stated Jennings. "These young people already face disproportionate levels of harassment in schools, so addressing the student body and clarifying that the school values and respects every single young person is an important next step."

A growing body of statistical evidence suggests that anti-gay harassment is a pervasive problem in America’s schools. GLSEN’s 2001 National School Climate Survey, which surveyed 904 LGBT students, found that 4 out of 5 LGBT students have experienced verbal, sexual or physical harassment or abuse at school. In addition, 4 out of 5 reported that teachers regularly or sometimes fail to intervene when homophobic language is used.

-30- GLSEN is the largest national network of parents, educators, students and community members working to create safe schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and staff. Visit www.glsen.org for more information.