Ending Bullying For Gay And Straight Students

by Carol Scott · 2010-09-22 13:24:00 UTC
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Eric Mohat told his parents that his math teacher had caught the bullies who were tormenting him. The tall, skinny 17-year-old who wore pink shirts and played the piano at his Mentor, Ohio high school was taunted daily with names like "Twiggy," "fag" and "queer."

Six days later, a classmate told Eric to go home and shoot himself. He did.

Eric's parents have filed a lawsuit against the school district arguing that there could have been more done to prevent the bullying that caused his death. Two separate lawsuits say bullying played a role in the deaths of five teens who have committed suicide in Mentor between July 2005 and October 2008.

Homophobic bullying hurts students of all sexual orientations. Targeting students perceived as falling outside the "norm" creates a dangerous learning environment for young people struggling to grow. The teen years are the first time many students are thinking about and developing their own sexual identity. For many, school is the place where that identity development happens. Whether they are gay, straight or somewhere in between, all students deserve to learn in a safe environment.

A 2009 survey by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network found that almost 9 out of 10 LGBT students experienced harassment at school in the past year. Nearly two-thirds felt unsafe because of their sexual orientation. Homophobic remarks have decreased since 1999, they reported, but more invasive and targeted forms of bullying have remained constant.

In Minnesota's largest school district, Anoka-Hennepin, 15-year-old Justin Aaberg killed himself in July 2010 after being bullied based on his sexual orientation. Despite the fact that three students who identified as gay or lesbian committed suicide, the district maintains a "neutrality" policy regarding sexual orientation. The policy requires that teachers remain "neutral" and distant in conversations about homosexuality, including student-led discussions.

Take action by telling the Anoka-Hennepin school district that a "neutral" policy does not create a safe environment for students who may be enduring cruel bullying. All students deserve safe schools.

Photo credit: Working Word

Carol Scott is the Education Editor for Change.org.
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