September/October 2001

Abstracts

Recent studies document the challenges faced by students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) and the value of supportive programs for them. For example, a recent report by Human Rights Watch found that incidences of verbal, physical, and sexual harassment of LGBT students are widespread in K-12 schools and that many teachers and administrators fail to deal effectively with them. Other studies, such as one conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Education, confirm the positive effects of gay-straight alliances and teacher training on LGBT students. Assistant Editor Michael Sadowski examines the new research on issues affecting sexual minority young people, and highlights some promising programs that are helping to create a safe and supportive school climate for these students.

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Ignoring Harassment Can Have Legal Consequences
By Michael Sadowski

Only five states have laws specifically protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) public school students from discrimination and/or harassment. But all over the country, existing federal laws can make school officials liable if they ignore the mistreatment of LGBT students. HEL assistant editor Michael Sadowski profiles the case of Jamie Nabozny, who in 1996 successfully sued three school administrators for close to $1million for failing to protect him against anti-gay abuse, and reviews the laws that were relevant to the case.

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Solving Problems with "Action Research"
A Conversation with Pedro Noguera

Action research enables K-12 practitioners to tackle important issues in their schools through methodical investigation and intervention. This type of research design not only allows people to challenge their assumptions about what's going on in a school, but the data also gives people a chance to talk about complicated and possibly controversial issues without getting defensive and personalizing blame. Assistant Editor Michael Sadowski interviews Pedro Noguera, Professor of Communities and Schools at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, about how action research can help schools and about the pros and cons of using this type of research design.

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