Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 15:57:02 -0700
From: "Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)" <glsen@glsen.org>
Subject: GLSEN ALARMED BY STUDENTS' INCREASED HOMOPHOBIA

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jim Anderson, GLSEN Communications Director
(212) 727-0135 x136 / pgr: (888) 869-6512

Kevin Jennings, GLSEN Exec. Director
(212) 727-0135 x113 / pgr: (888) 894-5234

GLSEN ALARMED BY STUDENTS' INCREASED HOMOPHOBIA
Who's Who survey suggests schools are failing to teach respect for all

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (12 November 1998) -- The Gay, Lesbian and Straight
Education Network (GLSEN) today expressed alarm at the results of a survey
conducted by Who's Who Among American High School Students. The poll, which
surveyed over 3,000 achieving 16-18 year old students, revealed that 48%
admit they are prejudiced against gay people. This represents an increase
of 19 percentage points from last year's survey.

"This startling increase is a wake up call for administrators and teachers
who believe they are doing enough to teach their students the values of
diversity and respect," said GLSEN Executive Director Kevin Jennings.
"These numbers suggest that homophobia is one of the last socially-accepted
prejudices, especially in our schools. Our schools are failing here. "

Though alarmed by the findings, Jennings says the increase is not entirely
surprising. Political leaders and sports stars, such as Trent Lott and
Reggie White, respectively, participated in one of the most public anti-gay
crusades ever, last summer. "Students live up to the standards we set for
them. When role models say that accepting diversity isn't important,
students take the message to heart," he continued.

GLSEN notes that the failure of schools to address these prejudices
contributes to:
o       18% of male college students claiming they have used violence
against their LGBT peers
o       LGBT youth being four times as likely as others to be threatened
with a weapon in school
o       LGBT youth being five times as likely to have skipped school once a
month due to feeling unsafe.

"Those who believe that our schools should teach respect for every American
student need to be alarmed by these findings," he continued. "Prejudice
prevents children from accessing the education our country promises to all.
When we tolerate that prejudice, we ensure that divisiveness and hatred
will continue to be part of our national fabric."

#####

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is the only
organization dedicated to ending anti-gay bias in America's schools.
Established nationally in 1994, GLSEN now has over 80 chapters. For more
information, visit www.glsen.org