Working closely with the Department of Education, PFLAG NYC has been taking the Safe Schools Program into an ever-growing number of schools across our city in an effort to reduce bullying, taunting, and physical abuse. Our teams of dedicated, trained volunteer speakers have been in dozens of middle and high schools and addressed thousands of students.
Sadly, bullying in our schools remains a serious problem. Harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity continues to create a school atmosphere in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people are denigrated and threatened, and all families with LGBT loved ones are devalued. This has dire consequences for LGBT student' educational performance, health, and safety.
What Does the Safe Schools Program Do?
PFLAG NYC's Safe Schools Program fights bias and harassment and fosters respect for diversity. It helps reduce bullying, name-calling, and violence against LGBT youth. At no charge to schools, the Safe Schools Program brings trained speakers into classrooms to share their personal experience of having an LGBT loved ones in their lives. Speakers come from diverse backgrounds and typically include at least one parent of an LGBT child paired with an LGBT person or other straight allies. By sharing personal stories of the LGBT people in their lives they open a free and respectful dialogue with students that dispels misinformation and helps move the school climate towards one of respect and fairness for LGBT people. The program benefits the entire school community—straight and LGBT.
Aundaray Guess talks with students at Wm. Lloyd Garrison Middle School
Research supports the approach of the Safe Schools Program. A CDC survey of research show that anti-bullying programs presented to all students that aim to socialize students and impart community values are an effective approach to changing school environments.
What Can I Do?
We need your help to continue the growing momentum of the Safe Schools Program. There are many more schools to reach. Please help us in getting more vulnerable kids through school safely and successfully.
