State Superintendent highlights LGBTQ resources

State Supt. Tony Smith

Students identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ), and those perceived as LGBTQ, are bullied more often than most students, according to State Superintendent Tony Smith. This means such students are more likely to disengage, skip school, and struggle with mental health issues, he said in his “Weekly Message” newsletter on June 6.

“ISBE believes that quality education nurtures each student as a whole child, recognizing and strengthening their connections between social, emotional, physical, and cognitive health,” he said. To that end, ISBE provides a variety of resources supporting the health and safety of LGBTQ students and all students on the state agency’s Climate and Culture web pages, including resources developed by Illinois districts and schools.

These resources include:

• Anti-Bias and Anti-Hate 
• Bullying Prevention
• School Climate 
• School Health Issues 
• Social and Emotional Learning  
• Student and Family Resources 
• Homeless Education 

“The work to ensure that all students and staff feel safe, valued, and well cared for is an ongoing process,” he continued. “Making safe and healthy schools a priority is a leadership opportunity for all of us. Empathy and compassion can help us create schools that nurture all students, help all students thrive, strengthen our communities, and maximize the potential of everyone who lives in our state.”