From: Date: Tue, 26 Jul 1994 08:44:29 -0800 Resolution on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youths in the Schools Adopted by the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives on Feb. 28, 1993, and by the National Association of School Psychologists on Jan. 16, 1993. For more information, contact the Committee on Lesbian and Gay Concerns or the Committee on Children, Youth and Families at APA, 750 1st St. NE, Washington DC 20002-4242; 202-336-6041; 202- 336-6123 TDD and the National Association of School Psychologists, 8455 Colesville Rd. Suite 1000, Silver Spring MD 20910, 301-608-0500. Whereas society's attitudes, behaviors, and tendency to render lesbian, gay and bisexual persons invisible permeate all societal institutions including the family and school system; (Gonsiorek, 1988; Hetrick and Martin, 1988; Ponse, 1978; Uribe and Harbeck, 1992) Whereas it is a presumption that all persons, including those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual, have the right to equal opportunity within all public educational institutions; Whereas current literature suggests that some youths are aware of their status as lesbian, gay or bisexual persons by early adolescence; (Remafedi, 1987; Savin-Williams, 1990; Slater, 1988; Troiden, 1988: Whereas many lesbian, gay and bisexual youths and youths perceived to belong to these groups face harassment and physical violence in school environments; (Freiberg, 1987; Hetrick & Martin, 1988; Remafedi, 1987; Schaecher, 1988; Uribe and Harbeck, 1992; Whitlock, 1988) Whereas many lesbian, gay and bisexual youths are at risk for lowered self-esteem and for engaging in self-injurious behaviors, including suicide; (Hetrick and Martin, 1988; Gonsiorek, 1988; Savin-Williams, 1990; Harry, 1989; Gibson, 1989) Whereas gay male and bisexual youths are at an increased risk of HIV infection: (Savin-Williams, 1992) Whereas lesbian, gay and bisexual youths of color have additional challenges to their self-esteem as a result of the negative consequences of discrimination based on both sexual orientation and ethnic/racial minority status; (Garnets and Kimmel, 1991) Whereas lesbian, gay and bisexual youths with physical or mental disabilities are at increased risk due to the negative consequence of societal prejudice towards persons with mental or physical disabilities; (Pendler & Hingsburger, 1991; Hingsburger and Griffiths, 1986) Whereas lesbian, gay and bisexual youths who are poor or working class may face additional risks; (Gordon, Schroeder & Abramo, 1990) Whereas psychologists affect policies and practices within educational environments; Whereas psychology promotes the individual's development of personal identity including the sexual orientation of all individuals; Therefore be it resolved that the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists shall take a leadership role in promoting societal and familial attitudes and behaviors that affirm the dignity and rights, within educational environments, of all lesbian, gay and bisexual youths, including those with physical or mental disabilities and from all racial/ethnic backgrounds and classes. Therefore be it resolved that the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists support providing a safe and secure educational atmosphere in which all youths, including lesbian, gay and bisexual youths, may obtain an education free from discrimination, harassment, violence, and abuse, and which promotes an understanding and acceptance of self; Therefore be it resolved that the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists encourage psychologists to develop and evaluate interventions that foster nondiscriminatory environments, lower risk for HIV infection, and decrease self-injurious behaviors in lesbian, gay and bisexual youths. Therefore be it resolved that the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists shall advocate efforts to ensure the funding of basic and applied research on and scientific evaluations of interventions and programs designed to address the issues of lesbian, gay and bisexual youths in the schools, and programs for HIV prevention targeted at gay and bisexual youths. Therefore be it resolved that the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists shall work with other organizations in efforts to accomplish these ends. [The above information is provided as a public service by GLAAD/SFBA's Project 21, a national campaign for educational equity for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, c/o GLAAD/SFBA, 1360 Mission St. #200, San Francisco CA 94103, 415-861-2244.]