A group of researchers from Indiana University's Equity Project published a paper that announces a call to action for schools to truly protect all students for discrimination in schools. The Equity project demands that sexual orientation be at par with race and disability status when it comes to assessing school programs and interpreting collected data.
"When we fail to ask questions about youths' sexual orientation and gender identity, we fail to understand, support, and protect all students from discrimination in schools," the project's paper says. The Equity Project has also acknowledged the privacy concerns that is posed when schools will be given the mandate to require students to announce their sexual orientation and gender identity. This situation might expose the LGBT students to rejection, further discrimination, negative mental trauma, and even lack of support from family.
Having pointed out the risks of this motion, the project assures that every LGBT student, especially the next generations, would highly benefit from the comprehensive data that will be collected. The data will be translated to programs that will assist and support the welfare of the minority.
Education Department's Civil Rights Data Collection has proven that black and disabled students are more likely to be suspended or even expelled compared to white and non-disabled students. This data has been driving school programs and officials to revamp and improve how school discipline is administered.
For the schools to truly play their role as a protector of their students and their right to be educated effectively, it is imperative that improvements in executing discipline and equality should be implemented. The Equity Project of Indiana University strongly pushes for LGBT discrimination be given the same weight as racial discrimination.
