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Safe Schools program reports surge in requests as LGBTQ students face heightened challenges
Summary
DESE and the Commission on LGBTQ Youth told the board they are seeing a marked increase in technical-assistance requests and trainings, emphasized student leadership, and urged stronger, timely guidance to districts amid a difficult national climate for LGBTQ students.
DESE and the Commission on LGBTQ Youth reported a significant increase in demand for training and technical assistance as districts confront a national climate that is increasingly affecting LGBTQ students in classrooms.
Shapla Brooks, executive director for the commission, said the program has become "a life-saving resource for students in Massachusetts," and Jason Wheeler, director of the Safe Schools Program, told the board the team will complete more than 120 professional-development interventions this year and has fielded roughly 200 requests for technical assistance. The presenters emphasized that the needs vary across regions and that students' experiences often hinge on whether a single adult respects names and pronouns.
Student voice: Youth program coordinator Gabe Rodriguez Vasquez said students consistently report that inconsistent adult responses — "staying neutral is an active choice" — undermines safety and belonging. District superintendents at a recent listening session praised clear state-level guidance but asked for more proactive, targeted supports and help translating guidance into practice.
What the program does: Safe Schools staff provide three core services — training and technical assistance for educators, student leadership development through the LGBTQ Student Leadership Council, and policy-implementation support to help districts translate guidance into practice. Presenters noted the program’s emphasis on intersectionality and language/access supports through local partner organizations.
Board reaction: Members and district leaders asked DESE to scale targeted professional development, improve language access and cultural competency for technical assistance, and disaggregate outcome data to demonstrate progress. The department pledged to continue outreach, webinars and a targeted educator newsletter ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and other commemorative events.
