Supporting the goals and ideals of the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative, a call to action to communities across the country to demand equal educational opportunity, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, particularly LGBTQI+ young people, in K-12 schools.
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Introduced on April 11, 2024 by Mark Takano
Legislation Details
- Expresses support for the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative.
- Calls for equal educational opportunities, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, especially LGBTQI+ young people, in K-12 schools.
- Highlights the need for schools to be free from transphobia, homophobia, racism, sexism, and ableism.
- Emphasizes the importance of safe and inclusive learning environments that affirm LGBTQI+ young people.
- Notes the historical support for resolutions like the “National Day of Silence” and “No Name-Calling Week.”
- Addresses the increase in anti-LGBTQI+ education bills, particularly those targeting transgender and nonbinary students, including restrictions on sports participation and bathroom access.
- Mentions the negative impacts of discrimination on LGBTQI+ students, including higher rates of absenteeism, lower GPAs, and increased depression.
- Raises concerns about the mental health of LGBTQI+ young people, with a significant number considering suicide.
- Criticizes laws that erase or censor LGBTQI+ individuals and topics from education.
- Discusses the targeting of transgender students and their families, including policies that attack gender-affirming care.
- Reports an increase in anti-LGBTQ hate crimes in schools.
- Advocates for positive school climates free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
- Supports the adoption of affirming policies like enumerated antibullying protections and inclusive learning practices.
- Encourages states, territories, and localities to support the initiative and adopt laws that prohibit bias-based victimization, exclusion, and erasure.
Last updated 8/8/2024