Model School Policy Initiative
Initiative working to provide Educational Institutions with materials to aid in LGBTQ inclusive policymaking.
The Issue
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) students are a historically underserved population in Educational Institutions. LGBTQ students are disproportionately affected by depression, anxiety, isolation, harassment, assault, self-harm, hate crimes, homelessness, substance abuse, increased disengagement, and lower performance in schools. They face these similar adversities during this critical time, and face these hardships at a significantly higher rate than their peers.
It's critical that schools promote an environment that is conducive for all students to succeed. Our organization is paving the way for a learning environment that all students can succeed in.
Click here for more information on the issues LGBTQ youth face.
Program Goals
This program works to provide educational institutions with policies that aim to:
Reduce the educational attainment gap between LGBTQ students and heterosexual students
Reduce the effects of isolation many LGBTQ students face in educational institutions
Reduce Factors that have been correlated to a higher risk for self-harm in LGBTQ students.
Increasing LGBTQ students sense of community engagement, involvement, and belonging
Increasing representation and support for LGBTQ students.
Foster a culture of acceptance and positivity for LGBTQ diversity.
Reduce instances of both intentional and unintentional LGBTQ discrimination
Provide educational institutions model policies to provide assistance in policymaking
Program Activities
This program works to provide educational institutions with various materials to ensure that policymaking does not discriminate against LGBTQ students, and provides for the unique needs LGBTQ students may have. These materials include research-based issue briefs, model school policies, and other materials to assist in YPA’s advising efforts towards educational institutions. Through this program’s ability to foster an accepting and supportive school climate through effective policy implementation, the long-term effects of this disproportionate victimization of LGBTQ students can be mitigated.
For questions regarding Model School Policy Initiative:
Last updated: 2/21/2023