Res. No. 758
Resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to implement a curriculum and to acquire textbooks and trade books that include key moments in LGBT history and accurately portray the contributions of LGBT individuals in the history of the United States.
By Council Members Dromm, Brewer, Dickens, James, Koppell, Koslowitz, Lander, Mendez, Palma, Van Bramer, Williams, Mark-Viverito, Chin, Comrie, Crowley, Garodnick, Ferreras, Lappin, Rodriguez, Rose and Levin
Whereas, According to the 2009 National School Climate Survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 84.6% of students were verbally harassed at school because of their sexual orientation; and
Whereas, The survey further reported that 40.1% of students were physically harassed (e.g. pushed or shoved) at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation and 27.2% because of their gender expression; and
Whereas, In addition, 52.9% of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) students were cyber-bullied, or harassed or threatened by their peers via electronic mediums such as text-messages, emails, instant messaging or posting on internet sites; and
Whereas, Of the respondents to the survey, 62.4% who were harassed or assaulted did not report the incident to school staff believing that little to no action would be taken and the situation might even become worse if reported; and
Whereas, Additionally, 33.8% of students who did report an incident claimed the staff did nothing in response; and
Whereas, Many advocates argue that the high rates of harassment and assault are often exacerbated by school staff not adequately responding or intervening on behalf of LGBT students; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that teaching LGBT history in the classroom leads to fewer instances of harassment at school and can lead to a greater feeling of safety among all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression; and
Whereas, New York City should enlighten its students about the role and contributions of LGBT Americans to our city, state and nation in the course of history; and
Whereas, The history of the United States could be considered incomplete and inaccurate without the inclusion of the social, political and artistic contributions of notable LGBT individuals such as Bayard Rustin, Harvey Milk, Stephen Sondheim, Truman Capote, James Baldwin and Gertrude Stein; and
Whereas, In addition, the history of our nation should include key events and organizations who have been in the forefront of the LGBT American movement for equality; and
Whereas, The Daughters of Bilitis, the Mattachine Society, the Stonewall Rebellion, the HIV/AIDS crisis, Bowers v. Hardwick, Lawrence v. Texas and "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the struggle for the recognition of LGBT families are all important and should be included in American history; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Department of Education to implement a curriculum and to acquire textbooks and trade books that include key moments in LGBT history and accurately portray the contributions of LGBT individuals in the history of the United States.
JP
LS 1957
3/25/11