Making Schools Safe for
Gay & Lesbian Youth

Breaking the Silence in Schools and in Families

Education Report Submitted on 25 February 1993 by

The Massachusetts Governor's Commission on Gay & Lesbian Youth
State House, Room 111, Boston, MA 02133
617-727-3600, ext. 312

Prefatory Remarks - Commission Chair David Lafontaine
Executive Summary
Introduction

IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEMS

RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDICES & ADDENDA

Publication No. 17296-60-500 2/93-CR.
Approved by: Philmore Anderson III, State Purchasing Agent

Preface to the Spring, 1996 Printing

Dear Readers of "Making Schools Safe for Gay and Lesbian Youth":

Since this report was first released to the public, there have been groundbreaking changes in the atmosphere for gay and lesbian students within Massachusetts schools. The Massachusetts Department of Education in conjunction with the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth created the Safe Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students to present the Commission's recommendations to the state's high schools and offer training and support.

Over the last three years, more than 150 high schools have participated in this first-in-the-nation program. The number of high schools with student support groups known as Gay/Straight Alliances has risen from just three when this report first came out to over 50 in schools all over Massachusetts.

The Commission wishes to acknowledge the courageous leadership and public support of Governor William Weld and Lieutenant Governor Paul Cellucci for our work since the Commission's formation. They have been unwavering in backing systematic implementation of our recommendations.

Of equal importance has been the strong advocacy and program design provided by Robert V. Antonucci, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Education, and David Driscoll, Deputy Commissioner. The Commission gratefully acknowledges their leadership and that of the staff of the Safe Schools Program.

Finally, we commend the courage and vision of the gay, lesbian, and straight students of Massachusetts who have been the voices of change in their schools. Through testifying at the Commission's public hearings, through rallying for passage of the Gay and Lesbian Student Rights Law, and through forming student groups these youth are bringing about positive changes for their peers.

These young people, gay and straight, have been an inspiration to us all.

Sincerely,

David LaFontaine, Chair
The Governor's Commission
on Gay and Lesbian Youth

Additional copies of this report and other related materials may be obtained by contacting the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth at (617) 727-3600 x312.

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Making Schools Safe for Gay & Lesbian Youth