GLSEN Reflects on Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality, Calls for Focus on Employment Protections

NEW YORK (June 29, 2015) – As marriage equality becomes the law of the land in practice, GLSEN's Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, calls on legislators and the public to focus on the work still to be done to ensure equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans.

"Today, LGBT youth across America woke up knowing that they could one day get married, should they wish, like any one of their straight peers. But they also woke up in a country where 29 states would allow them to be fired from a job simply because they are LGBT. And where their teachers could lose their jobs if they are LGBT. This is manifestly unjust. It has an adverse, concrete impact on the school experience for LGBT students. Supportive educators lead to improved school climates and LGBT students feeling safer, being less likely to miss school and having higher educational aspirations and GPAs. However, educators who are afraid of losing their jobs for being perceived as LGBT often do not feel protected and empowered to talk to students about LGBT issues, advise supportive clubs like Gay-Straight Alliances or intervene when LGBT students are bullied. We call on policymakers and residents in those 29 states to take the necessary steps to support and protect educators and students."

The latest edition of GLSEN's National School Climate Survey recently found that while school climate has improved somewhat since 1999, schools nationwide remain hostile environments for a distressing number of LGBT students and that a hostile school climate affects students' academic success and mental health. Seventy-four percent of LGBT students were verbally harassed in the past year because of their sexual orientation and 55 percent because of their gender expression. As a result of feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, 30 percent missed at least one day of school in the past month.

About GLSEN

GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students. Celebrating its 25th year, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.