Northwest Ohio Safe Schools Leaders Testify Before Ohio Senate

Urge Legislators to Pass Meaningful Anti-Bullying Bill

"It is the first day of school. The eighth grade history classroom is lined with posters of famous sports stars. A student asks the teacher if he could bring in a poster to hang on the wall. The teacher responds, “Just as long as it isn’t a poster of a “track fag.” Several students jeer loudly, laugh, and otherwise affirm the teacher’s sentiment. The teacher chuckles, seemingly pleased with this response. One girl in that class was deeply offended. She knew the teacher was being cruel to any student in that classroom who may be gay or lesbian. ... She stood up and told everyone to stop laughing. She said what they were doing was wrong. They continued to laugh. That girl was my daughter and she was defending my son."

- Opening testimony of Brenda Spurlin, Toledo RAY leader, before the Ohio Senate Education Committee in support of meaningful anti-bullying legislation.

To read the full testimony of Brenda Spurlin, Robert Salem, or Kim Welter, please click on their linked name.

Unfortunately, on a party-line vote, the Senate Committee sent forward weak legislation that many fear will not protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth from bullying and discrimination in school.  Please check back frequently for updates on this key issue!

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