Every two years, GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) conducts "The National School Climate Survey", which aims to determine how LGBTQ youth across the country are feeling in their schools. The results of the 2013 survey have been published, and they are a glaring validation of the community education services that Pride for Youth offers to schools in Nassau County. Here are a few of the statistics taken from the survey: over 55% of LGBTQ students felt unsafe in school due to their sexual orientation; nearly 40% also felt unsafe due to their gender expression; 60% of students reported that school faculty & staff do no intervene when negative LGBTQ remarks are openly made at school; and almost 70% stated that no LGBTQ-related topics are ever integrated into any classroom curriculum. Often we feel like a lot of progress has been made because we are seeing Marriage Equality passing in an increasing number of states, but the reality is that MUCH more work needs to be done. And it starts with educating our youth. For more information on the educational topics Pride for Youth offers and how to book a workshop, please visit www.longislandcrisiscenter.org/pfy/programs.html. To see "The 2013 National School Climate Survey" in its entirety, visit www.glsen.org
