New study claims that Ohio schools show anti-gay bias

Although much attention has been focused on revision and enforcement of anti-bullying policies in Ohio, a new study claims that Ohio schools are doing a poor job at protecting GLBT students from bullying.

The study, done by Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, reports some unfortunate statistics. Among them:

• 1 in 4 sexual minority students said they were physically assaulted - either punched, kicked or injured with a weapon - in the prior school year because of sexual orientation or gender identity. That is a higher than the national average of 18.8 percent.

• 1 in 3 such students said they were physically harassed - pushed or shoved - because of their orientation. Nationally the average was 40.1 percent.

• 70 percent said they were otherwise sexually harassed, 61 percent said they were "cyber-bullied," and 57 percent had property taken, stolen or damaged - all because of sexual or gender orientation, comparable to national statistics.

The complete article can be found at the Cincinnati Enquirer's website at http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110714/NEWS0102/107150338/Study-Ohio-schools-show-anti-gay-climate?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News.