Report: Texas schools unsafe for most LGBT students

Texas middle schools and high schools are unsafe for most LGBT students, a new report shows.

In all, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) singled out 29 states where most LGBT students in middle schools and high schools regularly hear anti-LGBT remarks and are verbally or physically harassed. GLSEN’s findings are based on a survey taken every two years of LGBT youth in the U.S.; the most recent survey was conducted in 2013.

“The large number of students who reported hearing anti-LGBT language and who continue to experience verbal and physical harassment in schools in these states is unacceptable,” Eliza Byard, executive director of GLSEN, said in a news release. “GLSEN calls on everyone in these states and across the country to join us in ensuring students and educators are given the resources and supports to create safe and affirming school environments. All members of the school community need to feel empowered to intervene when others are undermining these efforts.”

Among the survey findings in Texas:

· About nine of every 10 LGBT students heard “gay” used in a negative way or heard homophobic remarks at schools.

· Eight of every 10 LGBT students experienced verbal harassment based on sexual orientation.

· Nearly four of every 10 LGBT students reported being physically harassed based on sexual orientation.

· 56 percent of LGBT students who were harassed or assaulted in school never reported it to school staff.

· Only 6 percent attended a school with a comprehensive anti-bullying and anti-harassment policy that included protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.