Protect Our LGBTQ+ Students
School hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals have surged notably in recent years, particularly in states that have implemented laws restricting LGBTQ+ student rights and education. According to a Washington Post analysis of FBI data, in states with such laws, the incidence of hate crimes on K-12 campuses has more than quadrupled since the onset of a contentious culture war, often focused on LGBTQ+ youth rights. Notably, calls to LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotlines have soared, indicating a troubling trend of distress among LGBTQ+ youth, likely exacerbated by legislative and societal attitudes.
The numbers don't lie: hate crimes against LGBTQ+ students aren't just doubling, they're quadrupling in states targeting LGBTQ+ rights. But it's not just about statistics; it's about real lives. In rural California, these laws are ripping away the safety net for LGBTQ+ youth, outing them to their families against their will. Schools should be a place where every student feels safe and accepted, no matter who they are. It's time to stand up and protect our students - all of them.
Rick Loomis | The Washington Post
In states with laws targeting LGBTQ issues, school hate crimes quadrupled
By Laura Meckler, Hannah Natanson and John D. Harden | Washington Post | March 13, 2024