GLSEN

Questions

- The GLSEN website includes a diversity statement. Below, the first paragraph of the statement is quoted.

“GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, in our mission to create safe schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, is dedicated to fostering a work environment and designing programs and resources that are inclusive and celebratory of diversity, and sensitive to the role of power and privilege in society.”

Why is it that an organization that believes in diversity and accepting people for their differences still has to put a clause in their statement saying that they are “sensitive to the role of power and privilege in society?”

- I love the idea of “No Name Calling Week”. I wonder how I can incorporate it in our school with such a busy schedule. How are we suppose to get teachers on board and invested in the cause?

- The research that GLSEN sights states that many times when kids are bullied or harassed, they do not inform teachers or principals because they do not believe anything will happen or change. With the new law in Massachusetts, where principals must be informed each time a child is bullied, will more students begin to speak out if they know that the problem will be addressed?

- I believe in creating a positive learning environment for all of our students. Educating students and talking about how we are all diverse at a young age will make our students more accepting of differences. Still there will always be those few students who will continue to bully and pick on others. How should bullying be addressed in our schools? How should we deal with students who are consistently bullying others? Should there be consequences in place and if so what should those be?