Res 0114-2024

Whereas, The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA or LGBTQ+) communities have historically been marginalized and discriminated against throughout the United States (U.S.); and Whereas, LGBTQ+ youth continue to be frequent targets of discrimination and harassment, particularly in school; and Whereas, According to the latest (2021) National School Climate Survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 76.1% of LGBTQ+ students reported being verbally harassed at school because of their sexual orientation or gender expression; and Whereas, The survey further noted that 31.2% of LGBTQ+ students reported being physically harassed and 12.5% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation or gender expression; and Whereas, LGBTQ+-related discrimination at school has extremely negative effects on students; and Whereas, According to GLSEN's 2021 survey, LGBTQ+ students who experienced discrimination at school were nearly three times as likely to have missed school in the past month and had lower GPAs than their peers; and Whereas, The GLSEN survey also found that LGBTQ+ students who experienced discrimination at school had lower self-esteem and school belonging and higher levels of depression, which is of particular concern in light of the fact that LGBTQ+ youth have significantly higher rates of attempted suicide and suicidal ideation than the general population; and Whereas, Studies have shown that teaching LGBTQ history in the classroom leads to fewer instances of bullying and harassment at school and creates a safer school climate for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression; and Whereas, Furthermore, LGBTQ+ communities and individuals have made lasting contributions to the U.S. as a whole and New York in particular, including breaking barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive, tolerant, and understanding society; and Whereas, A.4375, sponsored by Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, and its companion bill S.351, sponsored by Senator Robert Jackson, would require school districts and charter schools to include instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions, and lifeways of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people, in an appropriate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school students; and Whereas, In addition, A.4375/S.351 would create a task force to study, make recommendations, and prepare a report on the policies, procedures, and best practices for the selection and adoption of inclusive instructional materials; and Whereas, As New York is the historic home of many of these communities and social movements, it is fitting and appropriate that our state fully tells their stories so our students are prepared for a more inclusive world view; and Whereas, Moreover, it is incumbent upon schools to ensure equal educational opportunity, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, including LGBTQ+ young people; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.4375/S.351, to require school districts and charter schools to include instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions, and lifeways of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people, in an appropriate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school students. Session13 LS #13415 01/19/2024 Session 12 LS #13415 7/24/23 JA 2