by Abby Rosenstein, State Strategies Coordinator 

In light of recent high-profile suicides following severe bullying toward youth who were gay or perceived to be gay, school climate and harassment have commanded national attention. Not only are these issues in the media, but they are moving and changing state policies. In 2010, more than 10 states introduced legislation related to anti-bullying and safe schools, with a focus on GLBTQ students.

In Tennessee and Iowa, bills were introduced that would have been actively discriminatory against GLBTQ students. Thankfully, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill was defeated in Tennessee. The bill would have prevented all discussion of or materials relating to any sexual orientation other than heterosexuality in schools. In Iowa, a bill which would have removed protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity from the state’s existing anti-bullying law was not passed.

Advocates of safe schools legislation stress the importance of enumerated protections, such as those based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Without these details, anti-bullying laws are difficult to enforce. Unfortunately, these specifics are often stripped from anti-bullying bills before they become laws, not for lack of trying on the part of grassroots activists. In Massachusetts and Georgia, generic anti-bullying laws were passed, though they lacked these enumerated protections.

Washington passed two new pieces of legislation that will further protect GLBTQ students from discrimination in schools and will make previous anti-bullying measures more effective. In New York, after approximately nine years, the state legislature passed the Dignity for All Students Act, which protects public school students from harassment and discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, religious practice, weight, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex. The act also includes stipulations about staff and teacher training and a process for monitoring and reporting instances of discrimination or bullying.

In the 2011 state legislative sessions—the majority of which begin in January—Advocates predicts that many states will introduce anti-bullying legislation with enumerated protections for GLBTQ students. For example, two New Jersey assemblywomen have recently announced their plans to introduce an “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” in the next month, citing the tragedy of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi’s suicide.

To do something right now to make safer environments for youth—inside and outside of school walls—take advantage of Ally Week to come out in support of GLBTQ young people. In coalition with a broad group of organizations, Advocates for Youth invites you to take the Ally Pledge and check out our website for other tips and tools to being an advocate for GLBTQ youth.