Gay/Straight Parents Alliance Participates in Safe Schools Summit

by Heather Turnbull

One of the core goals of Morris County NOW's Gay/Straight Parents Alliance is to advocate to ensure that the public school environment be safe and inclusive for all students. On March 3, 2007, in furtherence of that goal, I attended a conference entitled "Safe Schools Summit for LGBTQ Youth - We Can Do Better." The conference was held at the County College of Morris and organized by several North Jersey PFLAG groups which are also working toward making the schools safe for all our children. Speakers included Angie Wellman, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Youth Center, and Judy LoBianco, Chairperson of Health and Physical Education at Columbia High School. Hearing them speak about their experiences working with LGBTQ youth was invaluable. The keynote address was given by Charles Cohen, Deputy Attorney General of New Jersey and Section Chief of the Division of Law's Civil Rights Section who discussed the New Jersey Supreme Court decision L.W. v. Tom's River Regional Schools Board of Education. In that decision, the Court found that a school district is liable for the harassment of a student based on his perceived affectional or sexual orientation when the school district knew or should have known of the harassment but failed to take actions reasonably calculated to end the mistreatment and offensive conduct. The Court also held that school districts are required to implement effective preventive and remedial measures to curb severe or pervasive discriminatory mistreatment.

Armed with the knowledge imparted by the morning speakers, the conference attendees broke up into three groups, students, teachers and administrators, and parents. The purpose of these breakout sessions was for the groups to come up with ideas to bring back to their communities to promote the work of the summit. In the parents session, we discussed the Department of Education requirement that school districts implement written policies that recognize and value diversity and promote acceptance of those with varying backgrounds, including those with different "affectional or sexual orientation." (N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.4(a)). We also discussed the legislative requirement that school districts adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation or bullying. (N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13-17). With these statutes in mind, the parents workshop settled on three ideas: (1) ask for and support teacher training; (2) ask for and obtain a copy the school harassment policy, and (3) determine what has the school district has done (programs, workshops, teacher training) to comply with N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.4(a).

It was an amazing experience to attend this summit and to meet so many people passionate about making the schools safe for all children. The problem of bullying and harassment in the schools will only be eradicated if we all stand up for the safety of our children. If anyone is interested in joining the GSPA and continuing this work or has any questions about the GSPA, please contact me at mcnow_gspa@yahoo.com.