Opposing bills on LGBTQ+ representation in schools advance in 2 states
Newsy
Two very different opinions on the inclusion of LGBTQ+ subject matter in the classroom are playing out in state houses, marking a divide in the U.S.
One country, two states — displaying polarizing views on the role LGBTQ+ representation has in the public classroom.
This week, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed into a law a bill that creates a state mandate to include teachings about the contributions and history of LGBTQ+ people in schools.
Washington state Sen. Marko Liias was a co-sponsor of the bill, saying that adding historical figures who are part of the LGBTQ+ community into education allows kids to see themselves and learn about people different from them.
"There are students in our schools right now who this is their lived experience, and we need to do a better job of meeting those students where they're at and showing them that they are valued and included members of the community," he said.
Sen. Liias stated that this is about making kids feel safe as well as seen. According to a 2023 study by The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ middle and high schoolers who had access at school to one of what they call school-related protective measures — which include gender-neutral bathrooms, history that discusses LGBTQ+ people or teachers that respect pronouns — had 26% lower odds of attempting suicide.
