WASHINGTON — In response to an increase so-called anti-LGBTQI+ bills at the state level and in recognition of National Day of (No) Silence, U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, both D-Hawaii, joined Democratic colleagues in both chambers in sponsoring the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in School Initiative.

What You Need To Know

  • The resolution decries attacks on LGBTQI+ in schools and urges communities to support equal education opportunities, civil rights and “freedom from erasure” for all grade school students

  • A companion resolution was introduced in the House by Reps. Mark Takano and Barbara Lee, both D-Calif.

  • According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the number of bills considered anti-LGBTQI+ increases to 510 from 180 between 2022 and 2023

  • The resolution also cites numerous studies that quantify the negative impact that such legislation has on a LGBTQI+ population that already experiences higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, suicide and other mental health issues

The resolution decries attacks on LGBTQI+ in schools and urges communities to support equal education opportunities, civil rights and “freedom from erasure” for all grade school students.

“Every child deserves to feel safe at school,” Schatz, who introduced the resolution in the Senate. “As attacks against LGBTQI+ students are on the rise across the country, we need to take action to protect these students and fight back against the discriminatory policies that harm them. Our resolution pledges support to LGBTQI+ students and makes clear this discrimination will not be tolerated in the Congress.”

A companion resolution was introduced in the House by Reps. Mark Takano and Barbara Lee, both D-Calif.

“No one — especially our keiki — should have to live in fear for simply existing as their authentic self,” Hirono said. “Policies, such as book and curriculum bans, that target LGBTQ+ youth have no place in our country. I’m proud to join this resolution, reiterating our commitment to combatting discrimination and supporting LGBTQ+ students in schools across the U.S., so they can learn and grow in environments where they feel safe, seen, and protected.”

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the number of bills considered anti-LGBTQI+ increases to 510 from 180 between 2022 and 2023.

The resolutions cite numerous examples of legislation that seek to impose restrictions related to inclusion, access and education, including a 2020 Idaho law barring transgender students from playing on school sports teams that correspond to their gender identity; a 2021 Tennessee law allowing students, parents or employees to sue if they interact with a transgender person in a school bathroom or other facility; to the 2022 Florida law censoring instruction related to LGBTQI+ people.

The resolution also cites many studies that quantify the negative impact that such legislation has on a LGBTQI+ population that already experiences higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, suicide and other mental health issues. These include the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s 2021 National School Climate Survey that found students who experienced discrimination based on their LGBTQI+ identity at school in the past year, including being prevented from using the restroom that aligned with their gender identity and being barred from playing on the school sports team that aligned with their gender identity, were nearly three times as likely to have missed school in the past month, had lower grade point averages, reported lower feelings of school belonging, and had higher levels of depression compared to LGBTQI+ students who had not experienced similar discrimination.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.