Creating LGBT Inclusive Schools Webinar  This self-paced webinar provides school staff with information on how they can support LGBT students in NYS schools. It includes information and resources from the NYSED, CDC, NYSDOH and advocacy organizations such as GLSEN, and supports the goal of providing all students with a safe and inclusive environment. It complements existing resources available from the NYSED relating to the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). (October 2018, 1 CTLE)

NYSED Resources

NYSED DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) Web page -Provides resources related to legislation to support students and inclusive school environments.

NYSED Article 9 Section 409-m Gender Neutral Single-Occupancy Bathroom Facilities- Provides information to comply with Building Code of New York State (BCNYS) and accessibility standards the sign must be located on the wall next to the door with the words “all-gender” (preferred) or “gender-neutral” and FAQ's. (NYSED 3/29/21)

NYSED Memo Regarding Recent Amendments to Commissioner’s Regulation 100.2 (kk) (1) Regarding Reports of Incidents of Harassment, Bullying, and/or Discrimination Pursuant to the Dignity for All Students Act. (NYSED Memo, 6/18/18)

Updated Resource and Promising Practices Guide for School Administrators & Faculty This resource guide, originally released in 2012, has been updated to reflect these amendments to the Dignity Act. It includes links to websites that contain information, resources, and tools to assist in the implementation of the Dignity Act in your school.(NYSED, Updated 12/17)

Guidance to School Districts for Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment For Transgender Students and Gender Nonconforming StudentsProvides guidance is to assist school districts in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free from discrimination in compliance with local, state and federal laws concerning bullying, harassment, discrimination, and student privacy. (7/20/15)

NYS Public High School Athletic Association Guidelines 

NYS Public High School Athletic Association Transgender Guidelines
Provides information on the process for students requesting to participate in interscholastic athletics consistent with the gender he/she identifies as ((NYSPHSAA  7/15)

PBS Learning Media

Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity: A Toolkit for Educators Collection
It provides a series of digital media resources to help administrators, guidance counselors, and educators understand and address the complex and difficult issues faced by LGBTQ students. The collection features video content from WNET’s groundbreaking LGBTQ series First Person, which delivers personal narratives about gender, sexuality, social norms, and identity development. It also includes a video conversation guide, early grades support guide, discussion questions teaching tips), and a checklist to help establish a GSA. (June 2020 Funded by NY City Council and NYC Department of Education) 

Pronouns Matter-MyPronouns.org Resources on Personal Pronouns

Describes personal pronouns and why they matter and how to use them to promote understanding and equity.

US Department of Education/US Department of Justice Resources

U.S. Departments of Education and Justice Release Joint Guidance to Help Schools Ensure the Civil Rights of Transgender Students News Release (5/13/15)

USDOE and USDOJ Dear Colleague Letter on Transgender Students
Summarizes a school’s Title IX obligations regarding transgender students and explains how the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) evaluate a school’s compliance with these obligations. (5/13/15)

USDOE Examples of Policies and Emerging Practices for Supporting Transgender Students
Provides examples taken from policies that school districts, state education agencies, and high school athletics associations around the country have adopted to help ensure that transgender students enjoy a supportive and nondiscriminatory school environment. (5/13/15)

Additional Resources for Schools

Gay-Straight Alliance Organizations (GSAs)

GSA Network-Supports students and teachers to Start a GSA and Run a GSA. Establishing a GSA club is the first step in transforming a school. Studies have shown how the presence of a GSA club is related to a safer school climate. 

Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY)-Association of non-profit organizations working to serve the LGBT community of Long Island and Queens throughout the lifespan: Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY), The Long Island LGBT Community Center (The Center), Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders – Long Island (SAGE-LI), and the Queens LGBT Community Center (Q Center). They have a specific page for schools and supporting youth.

GLADD

U.S. non-governmental media monitoring organization founded by LGBT people in the media. Before March 2013, the name "GLAAD" had been an acronym for "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation", but became the primary name due to its inclusiveness of bisexual and transgender issues. They provide numerous resources to support understanding and inclusiveness-including a media guide for respectful speaking.

GLSEN

This organization, pronounced "glisten," is a leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students with materials.

The GLSEN National School Climate Survey
Flagship report on the school experiences of LGBTQ youth in schools, including the extent of the challenges that they face at school and the school-based resources that support LGBTQ students’ well-being. (2015)

Note: Provision of external resources and information does not imply endorsement of any specific programs or resources. School Districts should review materials utilized in conjunction with local school policies and legal counsel. 

Page updated 3/29/21