Iowa Safe Schools

One Iowa and Iowa Safe Schools Speaks Out in Support of Weishuhn Family Because One Loss is Too Many

(Des Moines, IA)—In response to the tragic news of the death of 14 year-old Kenneth Weishuhn of Primghar, Iowa, One Iowa and Iowa Safe Schools issue the following statement.

Statement from One Iowa Interim Executive Director Calla Rongerude:

“The loss of Kenneth Weishuhn is both tragic and heartbreaking. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Weishuhn family and to the community of Primghar. We all have lost a bright young man with a promising future.

What Kenneth endured is something that no one should have to go through. Kenneth made the brave choice to live his life openly and fully, and he was targeted at school with taunts, hurtful online organizing against him and even death threats. No one, especially the most vulnerable members of our community, should face bullying and threats of violence simply for being who they are.

We have a responsibility as a community to foster acceptance and love for all of our youth. We need to make sure that students have the support and resources they need to thrive and grow. One Iowa will work towards the day when all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people can live their lives openly and without fear.”

Statement from Iowa Safe Schools Executive Director Nate Monson:

“All students deserve safe and supportive schools and communities. The 2009 GLSEN National School Climate Survey shows that 9 in 10 LGBT students reported being a target of bullying. Simple name calling and degrading phrases like 'that's so gay' can lead to youth feeling isolated and rejected. It's critical that we work together as a community to put an end to bullying.

We must do more to eliminate bullying in schools including enforcing anti-bullying policies, teacher training, and parent involvement in reducing bullying behaviors. These simple solutions can go a long way to ensuring students feel safe and supported. Parents and students need to be aware of the state's Anti-Bullying & Anti-Harassment Act that ensures every school has an anti-bullying policy in place and a system to report incidents. If someone knows a family that is struggling with bullying, tell them to work with the school administration to help eliminate the problem of bullying.

Iowa Safe Schools will be hosting a series of intensive teacher trainings across the state. For more information go to our website: www.iowasafeschools.org and encourage your teachers to take these classes to find ways to make their classroom safe for LGBT youth.”

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It's important that if you or someone you know is being bullied that you report it to the school administration. If you ever need someone to talk to - call The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 to speak with a trained counselor who can help you. You can also visit www.trevorproject.org for more information.

Making Your Classroom Safe for LGBTQ Youth

Iowa Safe Schools is proud to announce a partnership with the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) to offer our license renewal course for educators - Making Your Classroom Safe for LGBTQ Youth across the state this summer.

All students deserve a safe and supportive place to learn including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or are questioning (LGBTQ) their identity. Studies continue to show that LGBTQ youth are at higher risk than their peers for bullying, homelessness, and increased suicide risk due to isolation and discrimination in schools and communities. This 15 hour long license renewal course will provide educators key information in supporting LGBTQ youth and LGBTQ families in their schools.

Specific topics to be covered include LGBTQ terminology, statistics, research-based interventions/supports, and an indepth discussion on hate and the movement for social justice. Through the use of interactive activities, panel discussions, and videos, this course will leave participants better prepared to meet the needs of these youth and LGBTQ families.

SAVE THE DATE - Making Your Classroom Safe for LGBTQ Youth – 1 semester hour graduate credit ($ 175. ISEA member/$350. non-member ) or 1 Re-licensure credit ($100. ISEA members - $200. Non-members)

Instructors: Nate Monson, Executive Director Iowa Safe Schools – Des Moines, Iowa & Cindy Swanson, Teaching & Learning Specialist ISEA

Watch for registration information in the next newsletter or at the ISEA website: http://www.isea.org/home/205.htm

If you have any questions please call or email Cindy Swanson This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 515-681-9719

Des Moines: Monday & Tuesday, June 18 & 19, 2012 – 8:00am – 4:30 pm Des Moines ISEA Headquarters 777 Third Street, Des Moines, IA

Bettendorf: Thursday & Friday, June 14^th & 15^th, 2012 – 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Bettendorf Uniserv Office –1035 Lincoln Rd Suite 301 Bettendorf

Cedar Rapids: Monday & Tuesday, June 25^th & 26th^th, 2012 – 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Cedar Rapids Uniserv Office –240 Classic Car Ct. SW Ste B

Dubuque: Wednesday & Thursday, June 27^th & 28th^th, 2012 – 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Dubuque Uniserv Office –30 Dodge Suite 15

Sioux City: Thursday & Friday, May 31^st & June 1st^th, 2012 – 8:00 am – 4:30 pm - Location to be Determined (possibly NW AEA)