Alone Among Many:Faculty and Student Perceptions of Harassment and Violence Toward Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Students.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess faculty and student perceptions of GLBTQ harassment at an affluent suburban high school in the Northeast. It was hypothesized that faculty would perceive a friendlier environment towards Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (GLBTQ) individuals than students. The survey results found that students more often reported hearing derogatory comments towards GLBTQ students on a typical day versus faculty. However, there was no difference between faculty and student observations of physical violence towards GLBTQ students. Students were also more likely to report negative non-verbal actions towards GLBTQ students than faculty. Indirect derogatory language such as that’s gay appeared to be prominent. Efforts should be made in either developing new polices or ensuring faculty are aware of harassment and policies implemented, to ensure a safe environment for all students.