What Can I Say to Make an Impact with my Principal or Administrator?

Advocating for changes in your school will undoubtedly lead to a conversation with your principal or administrator.  Administrators are notoriously busy people - you'll likely only have a few minutes to get your point across and make and impression.  You want to make sure you give your administrator information that will motivate them to take action and support your efforts as an ally.  Here are some tips for making the most out of those few minutes.

BE DIRECT

Let them know exactly what you're there for.  "I'm here today to talk to you about the need to make our school a safe space for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression."  Let them know that you are an ally to LGBT students, and there are some changes that can be made in the school to help LGBT students feel included and safe.

SHOW THEM WHY THE CHANGE IS NECESSARY

"I think there is a need for a comprehensive anti-bullying/harassment policy (or a training for all staff, a change in the Internet filter software, etc.) in the school because..."  Use statistics from GLSEN's National School Climate Survey or results from your Local School Climate Survey to inform your principal or administrator about the prevalence of anti-LGBT behavior in schools and its effects on LGBT students.  If possible, use statistics from a GLSEN Resesarch Brief for your specific state (see http://www.glsen.org/research) or the Local School Climate Survey you have conducted in your school.  Give them brief descriptions of the anti-LGBT behavior you have personally witnessed in the school.

PUT THE FOCUS ON SAFETY

All school administrators have a responsibility to make sure their schools are safe, both physically and emotionally, for the students who attend them.  "as you can see from these statistics (or incidents, stories, etc.) the climate in the school is having an effect on the comfort, safety, and sense of belonging amongst many of the students."  Point out to them the negative effects that anti-LGBT behavior has not only on LGBT students, but all students.

SHOW THEM HOW THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WILL BENEFIT FROM THE CHANGE

"These actions will help make our school a safer and friendlier place for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression."  Provide information on how this change can result in a more positive school climate and imrpove student achievement.  For example, share research from GLSEN's National School Climate Survey about the benefits of having supportive school staff or a comprehensive anti-bullying/harassment policy.

GIVE AN OVERVIEW OF HOW EDUCATORS CAN BE ALLIES TO LGBT STUDENTS AND THE CHANGES THE SCHOOL CAN MAKE

Briefly share with them specific ways educators can be supportive allies to LGBT students, such as intervening when anti-LGBT behavior occurs, not assuming the sexual orientation or gender identity of their students (or their parents) and including LGBT people, history and events in their curriculum.  Briefly share with them specific changes that will make your school safer.  Use concrete examples, like starting a GSA or making the schools anti-bullying policies inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

LEAVE INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE A FOLLOW-UP MEETING

Photocopy or print key information from Guide to Being an Ally and leave copies with your principal or administrator.  Leave the information that you think will get them to support your efforts.  If possible, try to secure some future time to further discuss the issue.  Give the principal or administrator time to learn more and digest the information before continuing the discusson.