The Prism Youth Community hosted a community wide discussion on ways to create safer and more culturally accepting schools for LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) students across MCCSC.
Prism is a social and education group for Bloomington youth ages 12-20 of any gender identity or sexual orientation. The panel on Tuesday was part of the group’s partnership with MCCSC to educate faculty on ways to foster a better learning environment for all students.
Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz spoke at the event, stressing the need for equality throughout school systems.
“I’m always very student-oriented. It’s all about the children,” Ritz said. “[We’re] making sure the students needs are at the core of what we do.”
After Ritz’s opening words, the floor was opened for community members to ask questions to Ritz and a panel of Prism members.
Panel members began by discussing the need for gender neutral bathrooms for gender nonconforming students to feel comfortable.
South freshman and Prism member Esther talked about how her request for gender neutral facilities was ignored by administration at her middle school.
“I was essentially told that we shouldn’t make a big deal about it,” she said.
Senior Spencer talked about how his proposal for gender neutral bathrooms at South was turned down by administrators as well.
“There have been pushes for [gender neutral bathrooms] in multiple schools and many have been ignored or flat out rejected,” he said.
Ritz commented that some schools don’t have means to create new bathrooms in their buildings, but that building issues don’t prevent schools from designating restrooms as unisex.
The panel also discussed ways for teachers and counsellors to improve.
“When they welcome the discussion of LGBT issues that’s a thumbs up from me,” Freshman Chel said.
Prism member Piper reminded faculty that they should be educating themselves about the LGBTQ+ community and not turning to individual students to give them all the answers.
The need for sex education that acknowledges and teaches about all sexualities was also discussed. Freshman Becca talked about how she had to seek out information through Prism and their partnership with Middle Way House, and how she would rather have inclusive sex education for all students.
Prism members are developing materials to educate all MCCSC faculty about ways to create safe environments for their LGBTQ+ students. These classes will begin in November.
“What I was impressed with [in] the students is that they’re going to be part of the education,” Ritz said. “We have students whose needs need to be met.”
