Student Rights
HARASSMENT
If you are being harassed, or witness harassment, report it to the principal, a counselor or another official immediately, and keep notes with dates and descriptions of all incidents and when you reported them. Being silent may seem easier, but it will not end the abuse.You have the right to be yourself and safe.
PRIVACY
Teachers and other school officials do NOT have the right to "out " you to anyone without your permission or use your sexual orientation to manipulate you in any way.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Sometimes schools try to silence students who are open about their sexual orientation. If you go to a public school, you have a constitutional right to be out of the closet and to express your opinions.
GAY-STRAIGHT OR GENDER AND SEXUALITY ALLIANCES
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), also called Gender and Sexuality Alliances, are non-curricular student clubs that allow students with a shared interest to meet and participate in discussions and activities. According to the Federal Equal Access Act, public high schools that allow students to form non-curricular clubs must also allow
students to start GSAs.
SCHOOL DANCES/PROM
Public schools cannot stop you from bringing a same-sex date to prom or other school dances. Federal law protects this as freedom of expression, and you cannot be barred from prom or other school dances
because of your date's gender.
TRANSGENDER AND GENDER NONCONFORMING STUDENTS
Transgender and gender nonconforming students often face discrimination over dress codes, access to restrooms and locker rooms, and their chosen names and pronouns.
Dealing with Bullying - Your Rights & Resources
It's critical that parents and youth alike are able to recognize and safely deal with bullying in person and on line www.stopbullying.gov
You can anonymously report concerns and incidents here 469tips.com or Download the free app to your phone to respond/report. Search for Friends for Life in the iTunes Store or GooglePlay Store.
Learn more about your rights & get the help you need www.davidslegacy.org
Help dealing with trauma and mental illness www.1in5minds.org