At PTA, we believe all children should be able to attend school in a safe and inclusive environment, free from discrimination. Yet, data shows that LGBTQ+ students are the targets of bullying in schools more often than their cisgendered and straight peers. Negative treatment by others, such as bullying, is tragically a strong and consistent risk factor for youth suicide and suicidal ideation is three times more likely among LGBTQ+ youth who are bullied.
This must change. We must create an environment where all children can learn, grow, and thrive.
This petition's purpose is to urge schools, community leaders, law and policy makers of all political spectrums to champion local, state, and national policies that create a safe, supportive, affirming, and accepting environment in schools, free from violence, harassment, intimidation, and bullying. This includes civil rights legislation, Department of Education guidance, and Department of Justice guidance that provides the protection of all children and youth, and that ensures equitable access to education, safe school environments, and affirming health care, as well as action from Congress passing critical federal legislation like the EQUALITY Act (S. 1503, H.R.15), STOP Bullying Act (H.R. 2682) , and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (S. 986, H.R. 1810).
As we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, let us remember that there is nothing more important than our nation’s children and the world and future that we build for them today. Let us join together calling upon our national leaders to advocate for all children, to take steps to ensure an equitable educational experience for LGBTQ+ students and help make every child’s potential a reality.
You can read more on the PTA website about how to support our LGBTQ+ students and keep our children and youth safe.
Today, I sign this petition to urge schools, community leaders, law and policy makers of all political spectrums to champion local, state, and national policies that create a safe, supportive, affirming, and accepting environment in schools, free from violence, harassment, intimidation, and bullying. This includes civil rights legislation, Department of Education guidance, and Department of Justice guidance that provides the protection of all children and youth, and that ensures equitable access to education, safe school environments, and affirming health care, as well as action from Congress passing critical federal legislation like the EQUALITY Act (S. 1503, H.R.15), STOP Bullying Act (H.R. 2682) , and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (S. 986, H.R. 1810).
As we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, let us remember that there is nothing more important than our nation’s children and the world and future that we build for them today. Let us join together calling upon our national leaders to advocate for all children, to take steps to ensure an equitable educational experience for LGBTQ+ students and help make every child’s potential a reality.