GOVERNOR VILSACK DECLARES OCTOBER 25TH “IOWA GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE DAY” In Honor of Student Groups that Help Curb Violence in Schools

Des Moines, IA – October 23 – Governor Vilsack will declare October 25, “Iowa Gay-Straight Alliance Day” in honor of the gay-straight alliances (GSA’s) around that state that work to end violence and homophobia in Iowa schools and colleges. “This day is meant to honor the students, teachers, community members and organizations that have shown their dedication for keeping all students safe, and insuring a quality education for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity” stated Vilsack.

Ryan Roemerman, Director of the Iowa Pride Network, a non-profit organization that networks and provides resources to GSA’s across Iowa, stated, “GSA’s are student organizations whose purpose is to create safer learning environments for all students. GSA’s are important in reducing violence and homophobia in our schools. As our 2005 School Climate Survey shows, GSA’s are clearly needed now, more than ever.”

The Iowa Pride Network’s study, released last year, reports the direct relationship between in-school victimization, grade-point averages (GPAs) and the college aspirations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.

Key findings from the 2005 Iowa Pride Network School Climate Survey include:

• 92% of LGBT students in Iowa reported hearing homophobic remarks frequently in their schools.
• 83% of LGBT students report being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation.
• 75% of students report that faculty never or rarely intervene when homophobic remarks are made in their presence.
• 34% of Iowa LGBT students reported some incident of physical harassment (being pushed or shoved) because of their sexual orientation; while nearly 18% of students reported some incident of physical assault (being punched, kicked or injured with a weapon) because of their sexual orientation or gender expression.

In the survey’s recommendations, the Iowa Pride Network has called on school districts to support student efforts to create organizations, such as Gay-Straight Alliances, which seek to end violence, harassment, discrimination and isolation of LGBT and Allied students. “We’re networking and educating students, who are becoming empowered and understanding they have a right to a safe learning environment” stated Roemerman. This message of knowledge and empowerment is working, since the Iowa Pride Network’s founding in 2003 the number of GSA’s has more than doubled.

“Iowa Gay-Straight Alliance Day” lets LGBT and Allied students know that they aren’t alone” Roemerman remarked. “It lets them know that they’re supported and that their work in creating safe schools is important to our schools, our communities and our state.

Click to view the State of Iowa Proclamation (PDF)

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