The Role of Schools in Ensuring the Welfare of LGBT Students

LGBT in Public Schools The past ten years have witnessed a vast progression in the compilation of information concerning the experiences of students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) in schools. A review by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO), which analyzed data from approximately twenty nations worldwide show that transphobic and homophobic bullying and discrimination is universal across schools (UNESCO, 2012). Even though the LGBT people are more accepted in society and face less discrimination, the experience of LGBT students in a school environment is much worse and challenging. The United States has been at the center of the issue as most of the research originates from the country. Majority of the research have put more focus on the effects of LGBT victimization, which has been shown to include sexual risk behavior, substance abuse, and thoughts and attempts of suicide. In the context of a safer learning environment, researchers have also tried to explain the increased cases of bullying and victimization that have been experienced in these learning institutions, and more so, the negative attitude that other students have towards LGBT students (Horn, Kosciw, & Russell, 2009). The school environment is supposed to promote an inclusive, safer, and supportive system of learning. However, the LGBT students have been negatively affected by victimization, which has resulted in the system’s failure to offer a safe and inclusive environment. According to data by Kosciw, Palmer, Kull, and Greytak (2013), drawn from 5,730 LGBT youths, undertaking secondary education in the United States, a majority of the students faced victimization. Resultantly, the victimization affected the performance of these students. On the other hand, studies have also shown that school systems that support LGBT students can help establish a better learning climate for the students and lead to better academic outcomes as well (Kosciw, Greytak, Palmer, & Boesen, 2014). This shows that support systems are advantageous in promoting the academic success of the students. Despite the positive benefits of supporting LGBT students, schools remain unsupportive of these students, as there have been high cases of bullying and victimizations in schools worldwide. The schools have failed to address this issue properly. In light of this, the question remains as to whether schools are responsible for LGBT students. This essay seeks to discuss the role of schools in ensuring the welfare of LGBT students. The core point of argument concerning the issue of LGBT in schools is whether the schools are responsible for protecting the welfare of all students. Despite the difference in their sexual orientation, LGBT students are much similar to any other child in school. Moreover, schools are responsible for offering safe working environments for all children irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation or any other difference. Attention to safer learning environments for LGBT students rose after the previous cases of suicide and murder as a result of bullying and victimization. In 2008, Lawrence King, who was 15 years old then, was murdere...