LGBTQ Student Experiences Policy Brief

School District (ICCSD) Student Experiences of School Climate Report and survey data revealed a consistent pattern of disparities in student experiences for non-binary gender and LGB students.1 Given the systematic nature and severity of these disparities, the District plans to build on its current programming and begin new initiatives to address these disparities. To inform the decision-making of the District, this policy brief provides answers to the following questions:

  1. Why is it important to understand the experiences of LGBTQ students?
  2. How do LGBTQ students experience school climate in the ICCSD?
  3. What are the strategies for intervening that have been shown in the education research literature to effectively improve school experiences for LGBTQ students?
  4. What are the evidence-based recommendations that can inform the ICCSD decision-making process in addressing disparities in school experiences for LGBTQ students?

This policy brief will serve as the background for a multi-stakeholder task force which will provide feedback and prioritize the recommendations regarding how to support positive experiences and outcomes for LGBTQ students.

Bruch, S., Adams, A., Finn, S., & Heeren, T. LGBTQ Student Experiences Policy Brief.