The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students Board Presentation

The Safe Schools Program for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students is an anti-bullying initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department) and the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth (Commission). As part of our ongoing commitment to support the social-emotional learning, health, and safety of all students, and per the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and the Commission, the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students will make a presentation at the September 26th Board meeting. A panel presentation and discussion will highlight ways that the Department and schools are supporting LGBTQ students.

Senior Associate Commissioner Cliff Chuang and Associate Commissioner Rachelle Engler Bennett will introduce the panel. The panel will include Roger Bourgeois, Commission member and former Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School Superintendent, and Jeff Perrotti, Director of the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students. We have also invited students, parents, and school administrators to join the discussion with the Board.

Below please find several online resources relevant to the presentation:

• Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students
• Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth
• Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey - 2015 LGBTQ Data Highlights
• Principles for Ensuring Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for LGBTQ Students

We look forward to the discussion of this important topic.