LGBTA Student Day At Capitol March 1st in Des MoinesThe Iowa Pride Network's College Coalition has announced a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied (LGBTA) Student Day at the Capitol for March 1st at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.
"All students deserve safe learning environments, including those that identify as LGBT and allied. Unfortunately, as seen in the 2005 School Climate Survey and the Straight Student Ally Report, many Iowa LGBT and allied students face hostile learning environments daily, inhibiting their personal and academic growth," said Ryan Roemerman, Iowa Pride Network Director.
The College Coalition's LGBTA Student Day at the Capitol comes at a time of much debate about the safety of LGBT students in Iowa.
Iowa High School and college students will talk to legislators about what it is like to be LGBT and Allied and encourage them to adopt laws to specifically protect LGBT students. Historically, legislators have been reluctant to pass such policies for fear of promoting a "gay agenda". Nevertheless, the College Coalition is determined to put a face on the issue.
"When did wanting to protect all of Iowa's students, including those that are LGBT, become a political liability?" asked Rachel Johnson, an executive board member of University of Northern Iowa’s GLBTAU. "It's time that Iowa legislators act to ensure the safety and access to a quality education for all students — including Iowa's LGBTA students!" stated Haley Whitlatch, an executive board member for the University of Iowa's GLBTAU.
Click here to register.
Register for the LGBTA Student Day At Capitol
Who: LGBT and Allied Students in Iowa’s High Schools and Colleges
What: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Allied (LGBTA) Student Capitol Day
When: Wednesday, March 1st - 10:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Where: Iowa State Capitol, Capitol Building, Des Moines
Why: To tell our legislators to pass anti-bullying and harassment policies that specifically protect LGBT and allied students from abuse.
The Iowa Pride Network or prideNet, fights bigotry and intolerance against LGBT students in Iowa. The Iowa Pride Network works directly with students, empowering them to start and enhance Gay-Straight Alliances in their high schools and colleges, while building a statewide network that offers support mentoring and educational opportunities. In addition, the Iowa Pride Network educates policy makers and educators on issues facing LGBT students and advocates for the interests of these students on the state and local levels.
