|
What is LGBTEAC?
LGBTEAC is an acronym for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Education Advisory Council for the Denver Public Schools. In an
effort to make schools and the district more accountable to our
constituents, the district has Councils designed to advise the district
on the issues affecting each community. Among the Councils are
the Black Education Advisory Council (BEAC), and the Hispanic Education
Advisory Council (HEAC).
Why LGBTEAC?
In the Fall of 1996 Board member Laura Lefkowitz created a Task Force
designed to address the needs of Gay and Lesbian students and staff in
the District. This was called after an incident at West High
School and a ruling by the Wisconsin courts that held a school district
liable for the harassment of one its students perceived to be
gay. The Task Force was convened with parents, students,
teachers, community members, etc. to work towards addressing some of
these issues in the schools.
In January 1998 the Task Force presented a plan to District to change
policy to include language making sexual orientation explicit as a
protected group. The School Board accepted the plan
unanimously. The following Fall saw our group’s petition
for formal Education Advisory Council status granted by the District.
What is the Purpose of LGBTEAC?
LGBTEAC exists to ensure that District Policy is enforced and to offer
advice to the Board about issues that affect Gay and Lesbian students,
staff, parents, and the community. We also have been working on
specific issues with regards to these concerns. Some of those
issues include:
• Training of school personnel to be more
understanding of the issues affecting GLBTQ youth.
• Direct support to students including those students
attempting to create GSA’s.
• Making materials available to students, teachers
and schools in an effort to meet the needs of GLBTQ students.
• Advising on policy changes and inclusion
• Offering advice and help in dealing with specific
issues that arise at each school.
LGBTEAC Regular Meetings: 1st Tuesdays. 5:00 p.m. DPS Administration Bldg., 900 Grant St. Rm 110
CONTACT: R. Keith Lucero
Denver
East High School
Kathy Bougher
Consider volunteering as a Safe School Advocate. Contact the current SSA at your school or contact us here at LGBTEAC.
Web-sites that might be useful to youth, educators, and parents:
Rainbow Alley,
drop in center for Denver youth
(303) 831-0442, Crisis Pager (303) 461-1650
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbian And Gays)
local phone number: (303) 333-0286 or (303) 573-5861
GLSEN--National
Gay and Lesbian and Straight Educators Network
GLSEN Colorado
Youth Action On-Line
Hatred in the Hallways, Human Rights Watch Publication
Thanks for visiting LGBTEAC.
|
