The latest federal report released in 2005 said that schools are the safest place for young students, and that most students are likely to be victims of violent crime away from school. We may want to rethink this study. 

The recent murder of gay teenager Lawrence King in Oxnard, CA on February 12 makes me wonder if school officials are doing enough to prevent harassment in the school. King, a fifteen year old, was shot while in the computer lab in his school by a fellow classmate. King, who had no shame in wearing makeup, high heels, and nail polish, endured endless torment from his classmates, including his killer. Officials labeled King's murder as a hate crime.

Hate crimes in school is just as important as NCLB, the achievement gap, etc., but this is an issue that is often brushed off the table. I hope educators take the story of Lawrence King to promote tolerance and co-existence inside the classroom. 
The NEA supported the passage of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which will help legislators ensure a complete federal state, and local partnership that addresses hate crime.

NEA has also compiled a guide for teachers who encounter homosexuality and transgender issues in the classrooms: Strengthening the Learning Environment: A School Employee's Guide to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues.


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