The Right of LGBTQ+ Students to Organize by Raylene Lacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i A legal guide en-us 2022-03-04 06:59:37 UTC 2026-03-17 06:34:16 UTC hello@padlet.com Slide 1: Professional Perspective jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2077464725 A professional standard listed by American School Counselor's Association (ASCA) iterates that school counselors exhibit a basic understanding and respect of diversity among students (2019). This includes differences relating to gender identity and sexual orientation (Standard B-PF 6).

LGBTQ+ students are more than four times likely to seriously consider suicide in comparison to their peers (The Trevor Project, 2021). This sobering fact is reason enough to underscore the necessity of support systems for LGBTQ+ youth in our schools. I would be ethically remiss in my role of school counselor if I did not ensure that LGBTQ+ students had access to a safe space where they feel seen, heard, and protected.

Unfortunately, in my current rural school district there is an absence of such supports. Endeavoring to create such a space for my students, I draw upon this opportunity to identify laws and resources that may aid me in this pursuit.

References
American School Counselor Association. (2019). ASCA school counselor professional standards and competencies. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a8d59c2c-51de-4ec3-a565-a3235f3b93c3/SC-Competencies.pdf

The Trevor Project. (2021, March 11). Estimate of how how often lgbtq attempt suicide in the U.S. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/estimate-of-how-often-lgbtq-youth-attempt-suicide-in-the-u-s/]]> 2022-03-04 07:13:59 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2077464725 Slide 2: Interview jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2078809436 Mrs. Dawn Young has been a counselor at East Valley High School for 28 years. She has been employed through four different principals and has also seen a large turnover of counseling staff. Although there have been no issues with liability since she's been there (as far as she is aware), she does recognize that certain topics in our small community have the potential bring resistance from families or other community members. 
Mrs. Young  recognizes that there are a larger number of LGBTQ+ students in our student body than in previous years, and with that more social-emotional distress. She understood my  concern that community members and family members may resist attempts to create a safe space for such a group, hence my reason for creating this padlet. 
Mrs. Young offered the following tips for best practices as I consider starting a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) group for our students:
  • Meet with building principal and ensure or advocate for support. 
  • Be prepared to present to the board - there are many parents who are active on the board, or at least lobby at board meetings. 
  • Allow students to express the need or want for the group themselves, rather than recruit members.
  • Consider changing the name/focus - two years ago we had a Suicide Prevention group and most of the students in that group were LGBTQ+ students. This may make them feel safer.


https://eastvalleyhigh.evsd90.org/apps/pages/CounselorCorner
]]> 2022-03-05 01:50:32 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2078809436 Slide 3: Professional Association jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2078809653 This webinar offered on the American School Counselor Association webpage is a great resource for counselors seeking to build inclusive practices into their work and engage in advocacy in their school buildings.

Reference
Beck, M. & Wikoff H. (2021, October 20). Build advocacy plans for lgbtq students [Webinar]. American School Counselor Association. https://cdn.videos.schoolcounselor.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/25174129/Build-Advocacy-Plans-for-LGBTQ-Youth-.pdf]]> 2022-03-05 01:50:55 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2078809653 Slide 4: Current News Article #1 jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2078809983
  • Florida students organize and stage protest over HB 1557, better known as "Don't Say Gay" bill.
  • HB 1557 would limit or ban the discussion of sexual orientation or gender identy in schools. 
  • Some LBTQ students and staff who are currently supported in schools are worried that the new bill will affect school safety and acceptance. 
  • Politcians who support the bill are iterating that it gives parents the right to sanction what their children are being taught in schools. 

    • Reference
    Levietes, M. (2022, March 3). Florida students stage walkout over "Don't Say Gay" bill. NBC. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/florida-students-stage-school-walkouts-dont-say-gay-bill-rcna18600
    ]]>     2022-03-05 01:51:29 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2078809983     Slide 5: Current News Article #2 jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079260612 Education Week takes a moment to interview newest GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) executive director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers. 
    • Willingham-Jaggers posits that the need to silence or erase the existence of lgbtq youth in particular stems from fear and is a tactic of white supremacy. 
    • Advocating and fighting at the policy-level is necessary if we want to ensure lgbtq voices and representation in schools. 

    Reference
    Pendharkar, E. (2022, February 04). Q&A: What's driving the backlash against lgbtq students? Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/q-a-whats-driving-the-backlash-against-lgbtq-students/2022/02

    ]]>     2022-03-05 15:53:06 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079260612     Slide 6 Constitutional Law jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079261201 The Equality Act expands upon the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and prohibits discrimination of sex, sexual gender, and identity. More importantly, it includes a wider range of areas to which these restrictions apply - public accomodations and facilities.
    • The bill includes places such as those that provide exhibitions, recreational facilities, amusement, transportation services and other goods, services, or programs. 
    • Department of Justice may intervene in federal court. 
    • An individual may not be denied access to facilities that are in accordance with their gender identity. 

    Reference
    The Equality Act, H.R. 5, 117th Cong. (2021-2022). https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22equality+act%22%5D%7D&r=3&s=1

    ]]>     2022-03-05 15:53:55 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079261201     Slide 7: Statutory Law jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079261251 The Washington State Law Against Discrimination offers protection to individuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

    • Offers description of both gender identity and gender orientation for purposes of this law.
    • Washington State legislature prohibits any discrimination of its inhabitants because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orienation, age, citizenship status and disbility. 

    Reference
    Washington State Law Against Discrimination 2006,
    RCW 49.60.010

    ]]>     2022-03-05 15:54:01 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079261251     Slide 8: Judicial Law jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079412724
  • Student Byshop Elliot sues Buffalo City School District for denying him the right to form a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Club at his school. 
  • 136 students signed a petition requesting permission for the GSA and still they were denied. 
  • With help from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) school officials backed down and granted permission for GSA to form. 

    • Reference
    Elliot vs. Buffalo City School District, 2018. https://www.nyclu.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/2017-08-31_elliott_v_buffalo_schools_settlement_proposed_dismissal.pdf
    ]]>     2022-03-05 19:58:17 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079412724     Slide 9: Administrative Law jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079420681
  • Washington State requires school to adopt a gender-inclusive schools policy and procedure. 
  • Provide yearly proof os such a policy. 
  • Designate employee responsible for overseeing policy.
  • Impacted by S.B. 5689 which concerns harrassment, bullying and discrimination and contains a section specifically relating to transgendered students. 

    • Reference
    WAC 392-190-060


    ]]>     2022-03-05 20:17:31 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079420681     Slide 10: Local Administrative Law jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079431048 Excellent example of building an inclusive enironment for all students. Many mentions of diversity and references to state laws of Washington. 
    • Lists all student clubs and purposes of each (including GSA). 
    • Cites clear expectations for students to honor diversity and respect for the laws of Washington. 
    • Lists rights of students, including the right to free speech and peacably assemble. 

    Reference
    Washington High School Student Handbook (2021). https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1630679864/fpschoolsorg/bjjz6u1l7bnqgdb365ut/WHSStudentHandbook2021-2022.pdf


    ]]>     2022-03-05 20:43:42 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079431048     Slide 11: Ethical Principle jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079439823 A.10. Underserved at At-Risk Populations
    School counselors have the responsibility of identifying under-served or marginalized populations and ensuring their success through cultivating an awareness of their diverse needs, advocating for equal rights and access to services. 

    Reference
    A    merican School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf ]]>     2022-03-05 20:57:07 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079439823     Slide 12: Personal Connection jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079443979 As I ready myself to begin advocating for LGBTQ+ students at my school, it is absolutely necessary that I also familiarize myself with the laws that directly impact their lives. Because I currently work in a conservative, rural community I must also understand the nuances of this community's dynamics and how they might affect this process. I've learned that currently there are bills (specifically the Equality Act) in the house that could have a positive impact and serve to strengthen my advocacy efforts for a GSA in my school. ]]> 2022-03-05 21:00:43 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079443979 Slide 13: Best Practices jlacaman https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079455138 School Counselors who seek to advocate for the right of LGBTQ+ students to assemble and create student clubs should:

    • Form alliances with building supervisors/principles to gain support and aid in advocacy efforts. 
    • Create opportunities for LGBTQ+ students to speak to their own needs and wants regarding representation in their school/community (bulletins promoting student diversity, student climate surveys). 
    • Identify organizations that offer resources for teachers and families (GLSEN, PFLAG, The Trevor Project).
    • Identify previous court rulings that resulted in school districts granting support to LGBTQ+ students and allowing them to access services or form student alliance clubs. 
    • Prepare to present to district board to request support of creating GSA. Offer statistics regarding the specific shared experiences of LGBTQ+ youth which underscores the need for targeted services and supports. 
    • Prepare to present to staff, offering strategies to support LGBTQ+ students, offer opportunity for discussion and concerns.

    ]]>     2022-03-05 21:30:09 UTC https://padlet.com/jlacaman/2y53huead6eht33i/wish/2079455138