Kentucky schools remain hostile for gay high school students

A survey of 127 public and private Kentucky high school students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer concluded that the climate in Kentucky schools remained hostile toward them, an education group said. Eighty-four percent of students surveyed were from public schools.

On Jan. 11, the group GLSEN, also known The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, released data for Kentucky gathered through its National School Climate Survey. GLSEN advocates for safe schools for all students regardless of sexual orientation.

Statewide, “the results of this survey mirror the stories we hear from so many (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer) middle and high school students in Kentucky,” said Christopher Duckworth, co-chairman and treasurer of GLSEN Bluegrass. “Schools are still perceived as unsafe environments for so many of these students, and now more than ever they need our support.”

But in Fayette County, school district officials say they don’t tolerate bullying, discrimination and harassment; students interviewed at one Lexington school said the staff creates a safe atmosphere.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/education/article130546994.html