Recent disruptions in education have caused lawmakers and educators alike to focus heavily on traditionally underserved student populations. From meeting the needs of English learners to closing learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic, K12 institutions are reimagining education to put students first. Now, new research suggests that one of the most historically marginalized student populations has grown even larger.
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released on Thursday, reveals that nearly one-fourth of high school students identify as LGBTQ, based on 2021 data from 17,508 students in 152 schools across the country. In contrast, 75.5% of students identify as heterosexual.
According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, the number of LGBTQ students has increased by 11% from 2015 to 2021. This significant uptick may be due to the wording surrounding students who are questioning their sexuality, the researchers note.
“Increases in the percentage of LGBTQ+ students in YRBSS 2021 might be a result of changes in question wording to include students identifying as questions, ‘I am not sure about my sexuality (questioning),’ or other, ‘I describe my sexual identity in some other way,” the report reads.
The findings might also suggest students are becoming more comfortable and honest about their sexual orientation and identities.
“Social media has added to this visibility that there are options that were not previously available,” Ritch Savin-Williams, a developmental psychology professor at Cornell told the New York Post.
Why this matters
In light of these recent findings, K12 leaders and educators must use this data to guide their policy implementation in 2023 and beyond. The data may suggest a growing trend indicating an increased need for administrators to regularly evaluate their school’s policies. Failure to do so may result in a further negative impact on an already struggling student population.
For instance, the research indicates that nearly 70% of LGBTQ students “experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” and more than 50% endured poor mental health.
To address this issue, the CDC urges leaders to create safer school environments that are “more inclusive for LGBTQ+ students.” For decision-makers who want to foster inclusive, equitable school environments in 2023-24, here are four recommendations from the CDC:
- Establish gender and sexuality alliances (GSAs).
- Identify safe spaces and safe people.
- Enforce anti-harassment policies.
- Provide professional development for educators on the importance of inclusivity.
“Schools are the gateway to needed services for many young people,” the report reads. “Schools can provide health, behavioral and mental health services directly or establish referral systems to connect to community sources of care.”
More from DA: Why these states rank as the 10 best for teachers in 2023
