How well is your school meeting the needs of your LGBTQ students?
PROM
[ ] Gender-inclusive language is used on all event communications, including invitations.
[ ] Event organizers are educated about students’ First Amendment right to attend events with a date other than a student of the opposite sex and to wear clothing of their choice.
[ ] At least one member of the prom committee is designated the “inclusivity planner” to ensure that every student feels welcome.
PRIVACY
[ ] School staff are never asked or required to reveal a students’ sexual orientation or gender identity without the student’s permission—even to the student’s family.
[ ] My school's privacy policies explicitly assert the confidentiality of information pertaining to students’ sexual orientations and gender identities. POLICIES
POLICIES
[ ] My school’s anti-bullying policy includes language that specifically prohibits harassment based on gender identity, sexual orientation and gender expression.
[ ] The policy gives examples of harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.
[ ] The effectiveness of my school’s anti-bullying program is evaluated annually using student and staff surveys.
[ ] Administrative forms and communications use gender-neutral language (singular "they," not “he or she”) and provide an opportunity for students to communicate their gender identity. Updates are made as needed.
[ ] My school’s anti-discrimination policy states support for LGBTQ teachers and school personnel.
ANTI-BULLYING
[ ] My school has a designated anti-bullying coordinator as well as an anti-bullying task force.
[ ] Staff members are specifically trained to prevent and respond to bullying incidents involving LGBTQ students.
[ ] The name and contact information for my school’s anti-bullying coordinator is posted in the office, on my school’s website and in the student handbook.
[ ] My school communicates effectively and often with students, parents or guardians and the community about school climate issues such as bullying.
[ ] Staff ensure that reactions to reports of harassment do not further stigmatize students who were targeted for their real or perceived LGBTQ identities.
[ ] Teachers and administrators are educated about common bullying myths, such as the idea that LGBTQ students are “asking for it” by expressing their sexual orientations or gender identities.
[ ] Counseling staff is well-versed in LGBTQ issues.
SCHOOL CULTURE
[ ] My school’s dress code is inclusive of a diversity of gender expressions, including for yearbook photos.
[ ] My school has gender-neutral restrooms or single stall bathrooms and private changing areas.
[ ] Students can use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity.
[ ] My school has a GSA that combats bullying and harassment.
[ ] Within my school culture, other staff members are unafraid to be allies to LGBTQ and gender nonconforming students.
[ ] LGBTQ educators and staff members feel safe to be “out” at work.
[ ] My school offers public praise or formal rewards for school staff members who promote a safe and inclusive environment—for example: an “equity leader” certificate at the end of the year.
CURRICULUM
[ ] My school’s health and sexuality education is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The curriculum does not take a heteronormative stance toward sexuality and gender (i.e., assuming students only need to know about heterosexual feelings and safe-sex practices.)
[ ] My school’s academic curriculum includes LGBTQ perspectives, voices, histories and current events.
[ ] My school’s library includes books and resources about LGBTQ individuals, history, events and issues.
