New Report: In Iowa, Straight Students Harassed for Having Gay Friends
Iowa Pride Network
According to a new study released last week by the Iowa Pride Network,
a significant percentage of straight students are harassed and bullied
in Iowa high schools simply because they have friends that are lesbian,
gay, bisexual or transgender.
Ryan
Roemerman, Director of the Iowa Pride Network, detailed the study’s
findings. “The majority of straight student allies in Iowa high
schools are extremely distressed when hearing the words “gay” or
“queer” used in a derogatory way (such as, “That’s so gay”) and
confirm that Iowa’s LGBT students are being specifically targeted for
harassment and assault.”
Key findings from the 2006 Iowa Pride Network Straight Student Ally Report:
Straight student ally’s experiences confirm that LGBT students are frequently the target of homophobic remarks in school:
*94% of straight allies in Iowa reported hearing homophobic remarks frequently in their schools.
*72% of straight allies report that teachers only some of the
time or never intervened when homophobic remarks are made in their
presence.
*57% of straight allies reported they were pretty much or
extremely upset when hearing the words “gay” or “queer” used in a
derogatory way (such as, “That’s so gay”).
Straight student allies are significantly less likely to be the target of threats, harassment and assault than LGBT students.
*43% of straight allies reported some incident of having their
property stolen or deliberately damaged, such as their car, clothing or
books, compared to 59% of LGBT students.
*38% of straight allies reported some incident of having had mean
rumors or lies spread about them in their school, compared to 91% of
LGBT students.
*25% of straight allies reported some incident of sexual
harassment (such as sexual remarks made toward them or someone touching
their bodies inappropriately) at their school, compared to 67% of LGBT
students.
Download the complete report here in PDF format.
View a summary of the report online here.
The Iowa Pride Network
or prideNet, fights bigotry and intolerance against LGBT students in
Iowa. The Iowa Pride Network works directly with students, empowering
them to start and enhance Gay-Straight Alliances in their high schools
and colleges, while building a statewide network that offers support
mentoring and educational opportunities. In addition, the Iowa Pride
Network educates policy makers and educators on issues facing LGBT
students and advocates for the interests of these students on the state
and local levels.
Blog For Iowa 