Students - Know Your Rights!

This is for all American public school students who are Queer or allied. This is a small write up about your rights provided by the ACLU - Get Busy, Get Equal!

"If you experience any problems at school, first talk to your principal or another official. If nothing happens it's time to take action.

HARASSMENT:
If you are being harassed, or witness harassment, report it to the principal, a counselor, or another official immediately, and keep notes with dates and descriptions of all incidents and when you reported them. Being silent may seem easier but it will not end the abuse, and you have the right to be yourself and safe.

PRIVACY:
Teachers and school officials do NOT have the right to "out" you to anyone without your permission or use your sexual orientation to manipulate you in any way.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH:
Sometimes schools try to silence students who are open about their sexual orientation. If you go to a public school you have a constitutional right to be out of the closet and express your opinions.

GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCES:
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA's) are non-curricular student clubs, just like Chess clubs or Key Clubs, that allow students with a common interest to get together and have discussions and activities. The law says public schools must allow GSA's if other student clubs exist.

*For info on starting or being part of a GSA go to GLSEN or call 212-727-0135

PROM:
Public schools cannot stop you from bringing a same-sex date to prom. Federal law protects this as freedom of expression, and you cannot be barred from prom because of your date's gender."

If you are encountering difficulty, the ACLU can provide free assistance... Do not hesitate to contact them with questions about your rights or to ask for legal assistance.

getequal@aclu.org
Phone: 212-549-2627

No Name-Calling Week Jan 25-29th

GLSEN's No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities.

To order a kit, plan something for your school, get buttons, ad banners and more, check out their website.

GLSEN Spins on "That's So Gay" Catchphrase

Look out for adverts mocking the infamous phrase "that's so gay" by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). This outreach is being coordinated by their 'Think Before You Speak' campaign and has released several billboards, print ads, TV, radio, and internet graphics throughout the country in an effort to get students to stop using language that is hurtful towards LGBT students. The campaign seeks to make the phrase look outdated, meaningless, and ignorant.

Below are some of the new posters that have been released featuring a jock, cheerleader, and a gamer that attempt to make the point.



Sign the pledge and come up with something original to replace "that's so gay" with something that actually makes sense!

Stop the Anti-Gay Slander Against Kevin Jennings

Kevin Jennings the founder of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has been tapped by the Obama administration to be the new Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education for the Department’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Mr. Jennings is will qualified having worked nearly all of his career as a teacher and then as a safety advocate to ensure a respectful and safe environment for all of America's students.

The anti-gay right is seizing on the opportunity to defame Mr. Jennings because he is an openly gay man in a position of power. They are using fear tactics and misquoting Jennings to suggest that he is an ardent atheist, militant sex activist, and a drug addict. They are waging a campaign to ensure he does not receive this post within the Obama administration.

Mr. Jennings is a hero not a threat to the nations youth. Please use GLSEN's form to contact the US Dept of Education and urge them to approve his appointment.