Pointing to a recent report that classifies the harassment endured by gay students in U.S. schools as a human-rights violation, GLSEN Chicago renewed its call for GLBT sensitivity training for Chicago Public School ( CPS ) principals.
The 203-page report, released last week by the international human rights group Human Rights Watch, says that GLBT students aren't receiving adequate education as a result of harassment and administrators' unwillingness to deal with it.
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network ( GLSEN ) members and the Coalition for Education on Sexual Orientation ( CESO ) joined city officials, students, a Chicago Public Schools ( CPS ) administrator and supporters at a press conference at Curie High School last Thursday to highlight the report's findings.
GLSEN Chicago Co-chair Betty Lark Ross stressed that the Chicago Public School district's non-discrimination policy already includes sexual orientation but that principals need to be trained on what that inclusion means and how to implement it.
"The ( Human Rights Watch ) findings come as no surprise for those of us who work in Illinois public schools," Ross said. "Anti-gay harassment, often seen as boys just being boys, can no longer be discussed with such dismissive language."
"We must include information about anti-gay harassment in all anti-violence programs," she added. "Principals need a clear message the central administration."
GLSEN is asking that sensitivity training begin for principals before the start of the next school year in the fall.
Dr. Charlene Vega, pupil support officer for CPS, pledged that the non-discrimination policy will be clarified and discussed at the August training session for principals and administrators.
"Fag, dyke, queer. Those are the words my peers and I are hit with," said student Tony Alvarado. "How far do activities go before they ( administrators ) have to help us."
GLSEN, with the help of Mary Morten, director of the city's Office of Violence Prevention, distributed the documentary It's Elementary! to all of CPS' 600-plus principals. They hoped that schools would use the film to train teachers and staff on GLBT issues. Tennis star Billie Jean King helped GLSEN buy copies of the video.
According to GLSEN, CPS Chief Executive Officer Paul Vallas has come out against using It's Elementary! in principal training. Mayor Daley, however, has spoken out for its use.
At the press conference, Ross, Vega and Morten were joined by GLSEN spokesman Faren D'Abell, Curie High School's principal, an aide for state Sen. Carol Ronen, Bill Greaves, the mayor's liaison to the GLBT community, Laura McAlpine of the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and several students from Curie's new Pride group.