Homophobia in Wisconsin schools: prevention and intervention strategies

Abstract

Homophobic attitudes and discriminatory actions are problematic issues that schools are confronted with on a daily basis. Students that are believed to be homosexual are verbally assaulted and sometimes physically abused. Similar actions are taken against students whose parents or siblings are gay. The entire school community, consisting of teachers, students, parents, administrators, and counselors, may all be involved in the continuation of homophobia in the school. The purpose of this study was to investigate strategies and resources schools utilize to prevent or reduce homophobia in Wisconsin schools. The investigator conducted a structured phone interview with a limited sample of high school and middle school counselors throughout Wisconsin to determine what action schools take to enforce the freedom of sexual orientation. The findings of this study illustrated prevention and intervention strategies school districts use to combat homophobia. These strategies were examined at both the high school and middle school levels. School districts may use this information to adapt or improve their own systems.