New Report: In Iowa, Straight Students Harassed for Having Gay FriendsIowa Pride Network
According to a new study released last week by the Iowa Pride Network, 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.
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”).
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.
Download the complete report here in PDF format.
View a summary of the report online here.
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.
