Trouble at School
Q: We put up posters for our GSA (gay straight alliance/gender sexuality alliance) at school, but people keep ripping them down. It feels targeted, like people don’t think we belong at the school. What should we do?
A: I’m sorry to hear that is happening at your school, and I understand why you’re concerned. Even if the people ripping down the posters aren’t trying to make a negative statement about LGBTQ students, that is the message their actions send. All students, regardless of their identity—including gender and sexual orientation—deserve to attend school without fear of discrimination. In fact, it’s the law.
The May 2016 US Department of Education Policy Letter on Transgender Students clarified that trans and genderqueer students are protected under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The letter includes the following provision: “Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students, including transgender students. Harassment that targets a student based on gender identity, transgender status, or gender transition is harassment based on sex,” which violates Title IX.
So, what does all that mean? Simply put, schools have an obligation to respond to reports of discrimination against LGBTQ students. The key, though, is that administration has to be notified of the problem. If they don’t know, they can’t fix it.
Talking to principals or superintendents can feel intimidating for most students, no matter how supportive and kind those adults are. You can try speaking with a trusted teacher about the posters getting ripped down and ask if they’d be willing to talk to administrators either with you or for you, depending on your comfort level.
Other options you can try: ask supportive teachers if they’ll hang the GSA posters in their classrooms or on their doors, where they’re less likely to be damaged unseen. If your school has hallway cameras, ask if there’s someplace you can hang posters where vandalism can be captured on video to identify the culprits. Inquire whether it’s possible to put the posters in a display case or other protected area where they can’t be torn down.
And as always, you can reach out to The Center directly to brainstorm additional options specific to your school. Good luck!