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LGBTQ advocates tell senators national rhetoric is worsening bullying and harming student mental health
Summary
Outfront Minnesota and Gender Justice testified that recent national rhetoric and executive actions have increased harassment of LGBTQ students in Minnesota schools and urged state actors to step in with clear protections and resources.
Advocates for LGBTQ youth told the Senate Education Policy Committee on Feb. 12 that national rhetoric and recent federal actions are contributing to increased harassment, absenteeism and mental-health distress among LGBTQ students in Minnesota.
Kat Rohn, executive director of Outfront Minnesota, said national political debate and executive action have heightened fear and bullying. Rohn cited the Trevor Project’s 2024 survey, saying roughly “90 percent of LGBTQ young people said their well-being was negatively impacted due to recent politics.” Rohn described reports from educators and families: classrooms where students whisper that identities are “mental illnesses,” GSA materials vandalized and students followed in hallways.
Christy Hall, senior staff attorney at Gender Justice who represents families with transgender youth, told the committee that transgender students “face a disproportionate amount of bullying in Minnesota schools,” and that that bullying can lead to absenteeism, online-only enrollment and greater contact with child-protective and juvenile justice systems.
Both witnesses urged state-level action to safeguard students. Hall recommended clearer state guidance and additional resources for schools to implement and enforce anti-bullying protections now that some federal enforcement and guidance are reduced; she said Minnesota schools will need “additional resources to implement and enforce anti bullying because enforcement at the federal level is going away.” Rohn urged elected officials and educators to affirm the dignity of LGBTQ students and to protect safe spaces in schools.
Committee senators asked for specific district examples and for state agencies to provide written guidance; senators also said they would invite Department of Education staff to brief the committee on any federal changes that might affect state enforcement or funding.
No formal legislative action was taken at the hearing; advocates asked for prompt state-level guidance and funding so schools can sustain safe, affirming environments for LGBTQ students.
