Straight Students Harassed for having Gay Friends
Gay Students Specifically Targeted For Harassment and Assault, New Study Shows

Des Moines, IA – February 8 – A significant percentage of straight students are harassed and bullied in Iowa high schools simply because they have friends that are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, (LGBT) according to a new study released today by the Iowa Pride Network.

The Iowa Pride Network’s Straight Student Ally Report is the second component to its recently released Iowa School Climate Survey, which detailed the life experiences of LGBT students in Iowa. The Straight Student Ally Report is a report on the life experiences of straight students who are friends or allies of LGBT students in Iowa’s high schools.

Ryan Roemerman, Director of the Iowa Pride Network, detailed the study’s findings. “The majority of straight student allies in Iowa high schools are extremely distressed when hearing the words “gay” or “queer” used in a derogatory way (such as, “That’s so gay”); and confirm that Iowa’s LGBT students are being specifically targeted for harassment and assault.”

Key findings from the 2006 Iowa Pride Network Straight Student Ally Report:

Straight student ally’s experiences confirm that LGBT students are frequently the target of homophobic remarks in school:

• 94% of straight allies in Iowa reported hearing homophobic remarks frequently in their schools.
• 72% of straight allies report that teachers only some of the time or never intervened when homophobic remarks are made in their presence.
• 57% of straight allies reported they were pretty much or extremely upset when hearing the words “gay” or “queer” used in a derogatory way (such as, “That’s so gay”).
• 18% reported hearing homophobic remarks from teachers or school staff some of the time.

Straight student allies are significantly less likely to be the target of threats, harassment and assault than LGBT students.

• 43% of straight allies reported some incident of having their property stolen or deliberately damaged, such as their car, clothing or books, compared to 59% of LGBT students.
• 38% of straight allies reported some incident of having had mean rumors or lies spread about them in their school, compared to 91% of LGBT students.
• 25% of straight allies reported some incident of sexual harassment (such as sexual remarks made toward them or someone touching their bodies inappropriately) at their school, compared to 67% of LGBT students.
• 12% of straight allies experience some verbal harassment because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, compared to 83% of LGBT students.
• 10% of straight allies experience some incident of physical harassment (being punched, kicked or injured with a weapon) because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, compared to 34% of LGBT students.
• No straight students reported incidents of physical assault based on real or perceived sexual orientation, while 18% of LGBT students were victims of such assault.

The report indicates that straight student allies face a more threatening environment than their straight peers who do not consider themselves allies of LGBT students: 43% of straight allied students reported some incident of having their property stolen or deliberately damaged, such as their car, clothing or books, compared to only 18% of the general student population. However, it is clear that LGBT students are the ultimate target of harassment as nearly 60% of LGBT students face the same type of threats.

The report also shows that straight student allies are more likely to have higher grades and are more likely to pursue higher education, whereas LGBT students have lower educational achievement and aspirations, likely due to the ongoing harassment they receive.

“This report has demonstrated that homophobia in Iowa’s schools affects all students—straight and gay alike. It has also made very clear that Iowa’s LGBT students are being specifically targeted for harassment and assault, “stated Roemerman. “Our conclusion is clear: Iowa school districts must adopt policies that explicitly protect LGBT students from bullying, harassment and discrimination.”

The 2006 Iowa Pride Network Straight Student Ally Report included responses from 68 straight student allies from 48 high schools across the state. Key findings, the complete survey and additional information about methodology and demographics may be obtained by calling the Iowa Pride Network at 515-243-1110.

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