In an extensive study released last week, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network found that a majority of LGBT-identified students felt unsafe in Pennsylvania schools. The 2011 National School Climate Survey showed that 96 percent of Pennsylvania students heard the word “gay” used in a negative way, and 89 percent of the students said they heard homophobic slurs often or frequently. About 85 percent of students said they were verbally harassed for their sexual orientation, while 34 percent were physically harassed and 15 percent were physically assaulted. About 68 percent of students reported being verbally harassed for their gender expression, while 23 percent were physically harassed and 8 percent physically assaulted. Findings showed that only 7 percent went to a school that included a comprehensive LGBT-inclusive antibullying policy, and only 18 percent were taught LGBT-inclusive curricula. “While we have seen some progress nationally in the 14 years since we started our National School Climate Survey, much work remains to ensure that all Pennsylvania schools are safe and affirming environments for LGBT students,” said GLSEN executive director Dr. Eliza Byard. “We look forward to working with our Pennsylvania partners to ensure that every LGBT student has equal access to a quality education.” Vanessa Davis, training director for GLSEN’s Pittsburgh chapter, said the results were unfortunately expected. “We have been pretty aware of the state of schools for our students, so this was not a surprise,” she said. Davis said schools can do a number of things to make sure LGBT students feel safer, including introducing changes to antibullying policies to include LGBT students, professional development training for staff and faculty and enhanced exposure to diversity issues. “Schools can also include curriculum in a number of different areas that will help students recognize that diversity exists all around them and support any efforts led by students to create gay-straight alliances in their schools.” Davis said the Pittsburgh chapter is currently working on several initiatives to prevent bullying and harassment against LGBT students in Pennsylvania schools, which includes a new program launched this past fall for students. “We created PASS — Peer Advocates for Safe Schools, where students make their schools safer for LGBT students,” she explained. Davis said the chapter has also worked closely with the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition to help spread the word about the need for statewide legislation that would protect and help students who are bullied. The state legislature is currently considering the PSEC-drafted PASS Act, introduced by Rep. Dan Truitt (R-156th Dist.). For more information on the survey, visit www.glsen.org.