摘要:Two proposed U.S. federal laws would provide explicit protection for
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students
in public schools. These federal laws follow actions by many states
and school districts to define and implement laws or policies to protect
the safety of LGBTQ students in schools. Research during the past decade
has shown that LGBTQ youth are a vulnerable population, and that the
negative school experiences of LGBTQ students often contribute to their vulnerability.
This Social Policy Report reviews research relevant to these federal, state, and local
laws and policies. Research on sexual orientation/identity development is reviewed,
with attention to the growing numbers of youth that ¡°come out¡± or disclose their
LGBTQ identities to others during their school-age years. Schools are often hostile
environments for LGBTQ students; this evidence is considered along with research
on the consequences for compromised achievement and emotional and behavioral
health. We then review strategies in education policy and practice that are associated
with well-being for LGBTQ (and all) students.