Citation

Jacob S. J. School Violence 2013; 12(1): 98-115.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15388220.2012.724356

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article addresses ethical and legal issues associated with creating safe and welcoming schools for lesbian, gay, biattractional, and transgender (LGBT) youth and for students who simply do not conform to gender-role stereotypes. Ethical principles and standards that create a responsibility for educators to foster a learning environment respectful of the worth and dignity of all students are discussed first. Law related to discrimination against and harassment of LGBT students is then summarized. Special attention is given to the controversy ignited by the U.S. Department of Education's 2010 interpretation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that requires schools receiving federal funds to take steps to prevent bullying of students on the basis of sex, including harassment based on a student's nonconformity to gender role expectations. Finally, implications of ethical principles and law for school district practices regarding LGBT students are identified.

Language: en

Keywords

schools; law; bisexual; gay; lesbian; transgender; ethics