After a months-long public engagement campaign, the Michigan State Board of Education voted 6-2 yesterday to adopt the “Guidance on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students.” This guidance creates more supportive learning environments for LGBTQ students, who are at greater risk of suicide, and cannot succeed academically without a supportive school environment.

“This comprehensive, research-based guidance is an important step toward ensuring that every Michigan student has access to safe schools and equal educational opportunities, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Equality Michigan Executive Director Stephanie White. “The unfortunate reality is that LGBTQ students are subject to pervasive bullying, harassment, and discrimination in Michigan schools, which negatively impacts their health, well-being, and academic achievement.”

Equality Federation stands with Equality Michigan in commending the Michigan State Board of Education on their leadership in support of LGBTQ students.