The National Education Association's ( NEA's ) GLBT caucus held its Ichabod Crane reception at Sidetrack June 30. Around 40 people from around the country attended the mixer to celebrate and discuss GLBT issues on the eve of the NEA's annual meeting and representative assembly convention at McCormick Place this past weekend.
A small group of members founded the caucus in the 1980s to provide a means of professional support for GLBT colleagues after years of meeting in secret. Their main mission is to eliminate institutionalized discrimination and homophobia, provide resources and foster communication among educators, students and communities. Not only does the NEA have a GLBT caucus, but it also has a standing committee of 15 members called the Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification ( SOGI ) .
Stephen Henryco-chair of the NEA GLBT caucus and a standing committee member of SOGIsaid, "the NEA has had a long standing history of being a leader on issues of social justice ... making schools a safe place conducive to learning ... as well as training educators on the issue of bullying."
"When it comes to voting, talk to GLBT teachers about the issues and find out what is important to them because schools are important since they produce the next generations of voters," said Nicole DeVore, co-chair of the NEA GLBT caucus.
SOGI Chair Diane Gonzalez said, "We guide the NEA on where it needs to make improvements in education for students, teachers and support staff. The goal is to create a safe space where everyone can reach their true potential."
This week, the NEA's highest governing body has voted to approve the recommendation of President Barack Obama for re-election in 2012, according to a press release.
"President Barack Obama shares our vision for a stronger America," said Dennis Van Roekel, president of NEA. "He has never wavered from talking about the importance of education or his dedication to a vibrant middle class."
For more information on the caucus, visit www.nea-glbtc.org . To know more about the NEA, visit www.nea.org .