Iowa Radio Stations Refuse School Gay Bashing Ads
365Gay.com
(Des Moines)
Radio Iowa, a network of 60 stations has rejected ads aimed at
educating people about the problems LGBT students have at the hands of
bullies.
The ads were produced for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and are running in six other states.
Learfield Communications, which owns Radio Iowa, rejected the ads calling them controversial.
Last
month, legislation that would help curb bullying and harassment in Iowa
schools died after a week of stonewalling by Senate Republicans. (story)
The bill would have prohibited students from harassing others for race, ethnicity and sexuality.
“It was
very disappointing that any station would turn down this ad based on
its content,” Liza Byard deputy executive director of GLSEN told the
Des Moines Register. “The problem we're trying to address is pervasive.”
The one-minute ad features voices of students and parents promoting laws that prevent bullying of gay students.
According
to a GLSEN survey of schools nationwide 4 out of 5 LGBT students
reported being verbally, sexually or physically harassed at school
because of their sexual orientation.
The
study also found that inclusive safe schools policies, teacher
trainings on LGBT issues and supporting student clubs commonly known as
Gay-Straight Alliances are part of the solution to ensure schools are
safe and effective environments for all students.
(Source)
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