The National School Climate Survey 2001: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students and Their Experiences in Schools.

This report presents findings from the 2001 National School Climate Survey related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students' experiences and feelings of safety in school. A total of 904 LGBT students from 48 states and the District of Columbia participated. Results indicated that the overwhelming majority of students heard homophobic remarks, and faculty and staff contributed to the problem by making comments or failing to intervene when necessary. A large percentage of LGBT students (83.2) reported name calling, threats, and other forms of verbal abuse. Verbal, sexual, and physical harassment were common experiences for LGBT students of color and for female students, and the abuse was often compounded by racism and sexism. The majority of LGBT students reported feeling unsafe at school, and they were likely to skip classes or even days of school out of fear for personal safety. Transgender students were the least likely to feel their school communities were places of safety. Many schools failed to recognize the abuse faced by LGBT students, and as a result, resources and supportive personnel were rare. However, where resources and support were available (e.g., gay-straight alliances), a statistically significant number of LGBT students felt a greater sense of belonging at school. A copy of the survey is attached. (SM)