ISTA member supports LGBTQ students
09/21/2016
ISTA member Greg Chaffin is the faculty sponsor for United Students, the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) student-led group at Bloomington High School North. Chaffin recently returned from the National Education Association (NEA)/GLSEN GSA Advisor Summit.
The summit gathered GSA advisors from across the country to discuss the challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students and determine how educators can become allies. The attendees ranged from social workers and teachers to counselors, like Chaffin.
“The weekend was about GSA advisors coming together to talk with others who are doing what we’re doing,” said Chaffin. “We found a support network to compare experiences.”
According to GLSEN, a national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for LGBTQ students, eight out of 10 LGBTQ students are harassed at school each year. Chaffin explained that the work of the summit was to develop opportunities to educate school employees and make the school environment safe for all students. LGBTQ students have a higher rate of suicide ideation, separation, substance abuse, self-medication and run-aways. The risk-factors in this population require proactive efforts to make sure all students feel a sense of belonging in their school.
“Bullying still happens,” said Chaffin. “As a whole, we have a job to educate other adults and create safe places.”
Recent legislation and news coverage on the issue of gender equity for transgender students, particularly on gender-neutral bathrooms, has brought administrators, parents and students into the conversation. Chaffin sees this as an opportunity to inform these audiences that all students should have access to public schools without feeling unsafe and threatened with bullying.
Advisors at the summit shared ideas with one another on how to strengthen their GSAs and recruit more adult allies in their schools and communities. Chaffin has brought some of these ideas back to the Bloomington North GSA student president to lay the groundwork for this school year.
“There’s a lot of potential for growth [of the GSA] in a community like Bloomington,” said Chaffin. “We discussed how we might include LGBTQ history, advocacy and contributions into the curriculum.”
Chaffin acknowledged the challenges facing some LGBTQ students and allies in other communities, but offered suggestions on how to start a school GSA.
“Students usually start the GSA,” said Chaffin. “I would advise if it is an unsafe school that they find allies rather than be alone. Allies can include community members and parents of LGBTQ kids. Find out their legal rights – the primary ones include Equal Access and Title IX.”
Chaffin praised ISTA for the Association’s role in making sure public school educators can be progressive to reflect modern ideas and concepts. “Sometimes ISTA is the only thing making sure that happens,” said Chaffin.
If you’re looking to become more involved in LGBTQ issues as an ISTA member, consider joining the LGBT Caucus. Contact caucus chair Randy Studt at gnwmann@aol.com.
Additionally, GLSEN is sponsoring Ally Week Sept. 26 - 30. For more information on GLSEN and how to participate, visit glsen.org.