Iowa Safe Schools

All students need a safe, supportive environment in which to learn, including students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) or are perceived to be. There is extensive evidence that LGBTQ students are disproportionately targets for harassment and discrimination in schools. Left unchecked, this harassment and discrimination may escalate to the level of physical violence or violent crime.  The climate of fear experienced by LGBTQ students frequently results in increased absenteeism, decreased academic performance and increased risk of suicide and other high-risk behaviors.  As these students face verbal and physical harassment; educators, policy makers, parents, and other students are hampered by the lack of quality information and resources to protect LGBTQ students.

In fulfilling one of the responsibilities of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) -- to investigate and study the existence, character, causes, and extent of discrimination in the state and to attempt the elimination of such discrimination by education and conciliation – the ICRC created a task force to address a growing need in schools and communities regarding the safety of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students. 

Beginning in April 2002, the GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force has worked to put together evidence of the problem in Iowa schools, resources for parents, communities and schools, and increased awareness in multiple venues.  The Task Force is more commonly known as Iowa Safe Schools.