DOCSLIB.ORG

TRANSGENDER and GENDER NONCONFORMING STUDENTS: Everyone Has the Right to Be Themselves in School, and That Includes the Ability to Express Gender

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
TRANSGENDER and GENDER NONCONFORMING STUDENTS: Everyone Has the Right to Be Themselves in School, and That Includes the Ability to Express Gender ABOUT DREW Christopher Andrew Leinonen, known to friends as Drew (Dru), was born on June 1, 1984, in Detroit, Michigan. As a youth, he and his mother Christine moved to the Tampa Bay area in Florida. This is where he thrived as a son, friend, and advocate. At the age of 17, Drew started the very first Gay-Straight Alliance at Seminole High School, a move that would eventually earn him the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award from the St. Petersburg Holocaust Museum. Drew always believed that everyone deserved to feel loved, welcomed, and affirmed. Drew went to college at the University of Central Florida, where he was very active in University of Central Florida’s Gay-Straight Alliance. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and became a licensed mental health counselor. Drew enjoyed dancing, recommending new music and movies to all his friends, graphic design, playing Dance Dance Revolution, and other video games. Drew’s presence and residence were always the “friend hub,” and he excelled at finding ways to bring individuals together, making them feel loved, and letting them know they had a best friend in him. Drew’s life was tragically cut short when he was killed, along with his boyfriend, Juan Guerrero, and 47 other people in the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando. In honor of Drew, several of his friends launched The Dru Project with a mission to spread the love they knew from Drew and to carry on his passion for inclusion and unity. ABOUT THE DRU PROJECT The Dru Project is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, plus (LGBTQ+) advocacy organization on a mission to spread love across the nation through the promotion of Gay-Straight Alliances and LGBTQ+ student clubs. The Dru Project seeks to provide education and resources on issues facing LGBTQ+ youth and provide scholarships to students who truly exemplify Drew’s spirit for unity, inclusion, and love. The Dru Project looks forward to continuing to provide LGBTQ+ and allied youth the resources necessary to become leaders in their community and catalysts for change to make all Florida schools welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ+ students. TABLE OF CONTENTS About This Guide ..........................................................2 Know Your Rights (KYR): Laws & Polices that Protect LGBTQ+ Youth. .3 LGBTQ+ Community: Understanding Identities and the Importance of Community ..10 Contemporary History of the LGBTQ+ Community: Learning from Our Past. .10 LGBTQ+ Vocabulary and Terminology: The Power of Words .....................18 Challenges Faced by the LGBTQ+ Community: Issue-Based Information and Ways to Engage your Alliances ....................19 Intersectionality in the LGBTQ+ Community ..................................19 Understanding and Supporting Gender Identity ...............................25 Risks and Benefits of Coming Out ..........................................27 Building Our Alliances and Developing Our Skills as Allies .......................28 Ending Anti-LGBTQ+ Bullying and Harassment in Schools .......................30 Do It Like Dru: Tools for Engaging Your Alliances and Taking Action ..............36 Definitions/Vocabulary. ...................................................38 Group Agreements. .....................................................41 Planning and Goal Setting Worksheet. .......................................43 Hosting a Movie Viewing. .................................................44 Hosting a Panel Discussion ...............................................45 ABCs for Understanding LGBTQ+ Terminology ................................46 Give ‘Em a Pop Quiz to Make ‘Em an LGBTQ+ Terminology Whiz! .................47 Coming Out Story. ......................................................49 Coming Out Handout ....................................................51 Drawing Conclusions ....................................................52 Exploring Your Own Gender Journey ........................................53 Misgendering and Respect for Pronouns Activity ..............................56 Seeing Beyond Gender ..................................................57 Microaggression Activity .................................................58 Bullying Quiz ...........................................................61 Steps to Being an Effective Ally Worksheet. ..................................63 “-Isms”: From Identification to Activism ......................................65 Self-Care Plan Worksheet. ................................................69 Self-Esteem Journal .....................................................71 DO IT LIKE DRU: FOSTERING UNITY AND INCLUSION THROUGH LGBTQ+ STUDENT ALLIANCES 1 ABOUT THIS GUIDE This publication is an educational resource and advocacy tool for Florida LGBTQ+ student alliances. For the purpose of this publication, LGBTQ+ student alliances is an umbrella term that includes school-based Genders and Sexualities Alliances (GSAs), Gay-Straight Alliances (also known as GSAs), Pride Clubs, LGBTQ+ student clubs, and any other student-led organization dedicated to improving the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ youth. The sections outlined in this publication will refer to student clubs and GSAs interchangeably with the understanding that regardless of how your group identifies, we all share a similar mission to foster unity and inclusion in our school communities. This resource will provide your group the necessary information about the LGBTQ+ community, history, and terminology, as well as challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, it includes activities to educate your group and school community to advocate for change. When used in conjunction with regularly scheduled and well-organized meetings, this guide will contribute to your group’s capacity to develop leadership skills and to improve the lived experiences for LGBTQ+ youth in your school and across Florida. This resource is built to work in all student-led organizations, at any stage of development. Whether you are just getting started or in the middle of your sixth year, this guide is intended to provide a variety of activities, discussion topics, and tools to use throughout the year. The activities and resources in this book are flexible, and you are encouraged to use it in a manner that best suits your group’s needs. We also encourage each of you to learn more about The Dru Project, keep up with us on social media, share your stories with us, and check out our scholarship opportunities by visiting us at www.thedruproject.org. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (KYR): LAWS & POLICES THAT PROTECT LGBTQ+ YOUTH As the opening section of this publication, it provides general information about knowing your rights and explains the purpose and application of laws and policies intended to help you combat the discrimination and harassment of LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY: UNDERSTANDING IDENTITIES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY This section will set a foundational understanding of the unique collection of people, subcultures, and organizations that make up the LGBTQ+ community. With an improved awareness of identities included in the term LGBTQ+, your student club will be prepared to move forward with a more inclusive framework. CONTEMPORARY HISTORY OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY: LEARNING FROM OUR PAST Awareness of contemporary LGBTQ+ history will provide your student club an opportunity to connect LGBTQ+ peoples across time and distance. Having this information is a step toward learning from our past successes and missteps while using that knowledge to address the current challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ VOCABULARY AND TERMINOLOGY: THE POWER OF WORDS Having ever-changing terminology allows the LGBTQ+ community to explore, evolve, and identify meanings and phrases that speak to our sense of identity and kinship. This section will foster understanding for your student club and help connect vocabulary to the many unique experiences and identities within the LGBTQ+ community. NEEDS & CHALLENGES FACED BY THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY: ISSUE-BASED INFORMATION AND WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUR ALLIANCE While there are a number of significant challenges facing the LGTBQ+ community, this section includes a handful of issues and topics to serve as a starting point for your student club. Use the topics provided to reflect, explore, gain insight, and find inspiration to take your student club’s efforts even further. Feel empowered to do your own research and add to the resources provided to address the specific needs of your student club or school community. DO IT LIKE DRU: TOOLS FOR ENGAGING YOUR ALLIANCE AND TAKING ACTION Drew showed his passion for inclusion and unity through acts of love and advocacy. Once your group builds a foundational understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and understands your rights as a student club and as LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as some of the challenges facing LGBTQ+ community, you are ready to engage your student club in taking action. These tools are here for you to be leaders in your community and catalysts for change in your school, to make the future better for LGBTQ+ youth. 2 DO IT LIKE DRU: FOSTERING UNITY AND INCLUSION THROUGH LGBTQ+ STUDENT ALLIANCES KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (KYR): LAWS & KYR! POLICES That PROTECT LGBTQ+ YOUTH LGBTQ+ students, unfortunately, face discrimination and harassment on a regular basis. The reality is that most LGBTQ+ youth, their parents, educators, school administrators, and other adults know very little about the laws that protect LGBTQ+ youth. In fact, the
Load more

Recommended publications
  • National Day of Silence: the Freedom to Speak (Or Not) Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by Lambda Legal
    National Day of Silence: The Freedom to Speak (Or Not) Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by Lambda Legal March 2018 April 27, 2018 is the National Day of Silence, a student-led action sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in which thousands of students around the country will remain silent for all or part of the school day to call attention to the harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. Over the years, GLSEN and Lambda Legal have heard from hundreds of students, parents and allies who have encountered resistance from their schools and school officials in response to their efforts to participate in Day of Silence activities. The purpose of this FAQ is to provide information about the rights of students to participate in the Day of Silence and what to do if school officials interfere with those rights. Do students have the right to participate in and Do students have a right to display posters and advocate for the Day of Silence? make announcements about the Day of Silence? In most circumstances, yes. Under the Constitution, public In many circumstances, yes. If a public school generally schools must respect students’ right to free speech.1 The allows students or student organizations to display posters right to speak includes the right not to speak, as well as the or make announcements on the public address system—the right to wear buttons or T-shirts expressing support for a school may not deny or otherwise restrict your right to cause. This does not mean students can say—or not say— display posters or use the PA system based on your anything they want at all times.
    [Show full text]
  • Organizations Endorsing the Equality Act
    647 ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSING THE EQUALITY ACT National Organizations 9to5, National Association of Working Women Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC A Better Balance Asian American Federation A. Philip Randolph Institute Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) ACRIA Association of Flight Attendants – CWA ADAP Advocacy Association Association of Title IX Administrators - ATIXA Advocates for Youth Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists AFGE Athlete Ally AFL-CIO Auburn Seminary African American Ministers In Action Autistic Self Advocacy Network The AIDS Institute Avodah AIDS United BALM Ministries Alan and Leslie Chambers Foundation Bayard Rustin Liberation Initiative American Academy of HIV Medicine Bend the Arc Jewish Action American Academy of Pediatrics Black and Pink American Association for Access, EQuity and Diversity BPFNA ~ Bautistas por la PaZ American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ Interests American Association of University Women (AAUW) Caring Across Generations American Atheists Catholics for Choice American Bar Association Center for American Progress American Civil Liberties Union Center for Black Equity American Conference of Cantors Center for Disability Rights American Counseling Association Center for Inclusivity American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Center for Inquiry Employees (AFSCME) Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies American Federation of Teachers CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers American Heart Association Central Conference
    [Show full text]
  • 2020-2021 Calendar
    2020-2021 CALENDAR www.gsanetwork.org REGISTER YOUR GSA every year to receive resources, news, and information to strengthen your GSA club! Be sure to add your advisor and club leaders’ This names and contact information: www.gsanetwork.org/gsa-registration/ Month Get free LGBTQ+ films for your GSA to watch as a group! Register for Youth in September Motion: www.frameline.org/youth-motion 2020 LGBTQ+ LATINX HISTORY MONTH th Sep 15 - Celebrate the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ Latinx figures, like trans activist Oct 15th Sylvia Rivera & undocumented trans activist Jennicet Gutiérrez. Find more ideas on how to uplift LGBTQ+ Latinx activists in ourresource library. This LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH Celebrate by teaching your school about our community’s history: Month www.gsanetwork.org/resources/lgbt-history-month/ ALLY WEEK October th th This youth-led weeklong event aims to shed light on the experiences of 2020 5 -9 LGBTQ+ students in schools. Challenge and invite straight cisgender students and adults to build support with LGBTQ+ youth in their communities. INTERSEX AWARENESS DAY th This international day of awarness marks the anniversary of the first intersex 26 protest in the United States in 1996. Check out resources from InterAct: www.interactadvocates.org/intersex-awareness-day/ This LGBTQ+ NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Celebrate and uplift the accomplishments of historical and contemporary Month LGBTQ+ Native American figures. November 2020 INTERSEX DAY OF SOLIDARITY th Today marks Herculine Barbin’s birthday, a French intersex person whose 8 memoirs were published posthumously. Show your solidarity by honoring historical and contemporary intersex activists & writers. GSA DAY FOR GENDER JUSTICE - #GSADay4GJ This is an annual day of action to mobilize for gender justice & celebrate the 13th multiple identities LGBTQ+ youth embody.
    [Show full text]
  • March 12, 2017 Dear President Emmert & NCAA Governance: On
    March 12, 2017 Dear President Emmert & NCAA Governance: On behalf of the undersigned, the Human Rights Campaign and Athlete Ally strongly encourage the NCAA to reaffirm its commitment to operating championships and events that are safe, healthy, and free from discrimination; and are held in sites where the dignity of everyone involved -- from athletes and coaches, to students and workers -- is assured. The NCAA has already demonstrated its commitment to ensuring safe and inclusive events. In response to state legislatures passing laws targeting LGBTQ people, the NCAA required that bidders seeking to host tournaments or events demonstrate how they will ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, and protect them from discrimination. Based on the new guidelines, the NCAA relocated events scheduled to be held in North Carolina due to the state’s discriminatory HB2 law. We commend these previous actions. With the next round of site selections underway, we urge the NCAA to reaffirm these previous commitments to nondiscrimination and inclusion by avoiding venues that are inherently unwelcoming and unsafe for LGBTQ people. Such locations include: ● Venues in cities or states with laws that sanction discrimination against LGBTQ people in goods, services and/or public accommodations; ● Venues in cities and/or states that prevent transgender people from using the bathroom and/or locker room consistent with their gender identity;1 ● Venues at schools that request Title IX exemptions to discriminate against students based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity; and ● Venues in states that preempt or override local nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people. The presence of even one of these factors would irreparably undermine the NCAA’s ability to ensure the health, safety and dignity of event participants.
    [Show full text]
  • LGBTQ Organizations Unite in Calling for Transformational Change in Policing
    LGBTQ Organizations Unite in Calling for Transformational Change in Policing Black people have been killed, Black people are dying at the hands of police, our country is in crisis, and we all need to take action. We cannot sit on the sidelines, we cannot acquiesce, and we cannot assign responsibility to others. We, as leaders in the LGBTQ movement, must rise up and call for structural change, for divestment of police resources and reinvestment in communities, and for long-term transformational change. Now is the time to take action, and this letter amplifies our strong calls for urgent and immediate action to be taken. Ongoing police brutality and systemic racism have plagued this nation for generations and have been captured on video and laid bare to the public in the United States and around the world. In 2019, more than 1,000 people were killed at the hands of the police.1 We mourn the unacceptable and untimely deaths of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Stephon Clark, Freddie Gray, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Mya Hall, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks, and many more who were gone too soon. We have seen with increased frequency the shocking video footage of police brutality. Officers have been recorded instigating violence, screaming obscenities, dragging individuals out of cars, using unnecessary force, holding individuals at gunpoint, and kneeling on peoples’ necks to the desperate plea of “I can’t breathe.” These occurrences are stark reminders of a police system that needs structural changes, deconstruction, and transformation. No one should fear for their lives when they are pulled over by the police.
    [Show full text]
  • Nondiscrimination in Health and Health
    Officers May 20, 2020 Chair Judith L. Lichtman National Partnership for Women & Families Vice Chairs Thomas A. Saenz Mexican American Legal The Honorable Alex Azar Derek Kan Defense and Educational Fund Hilary Shelton Secretary Executive Associate Director NAACP Secretary/Treasurer U.S. Department of Health and Office of Management and Budget Lee A. Saunders American Federation of State, Human Services 725 17th Street NW County & Municipal Employees 200 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20503 Board of Directors Kevin Allis National Congress of American Indians Washington, DC 20201 Kimberly Churches AAUW Paul Ray Kristen Clarke Lawyers' Committee for Roger Severino OIRA Administrator Civil Rights Under Law Alphonso B. David Director Office of Management and Budget Human Rights Campaign Rory Gamble Office for Civil Rights 725 17th Street NW International Union, UAW Lily Eskelsen García U.S. Department of Health and Washington, DC 20503 National Education Association Fatima Goss Graves Human Services National Women's Law Center Mary Kay Henry 200 Independence Avenue SW Seema Verma Service Employees International Union Sherrilyn Ifill Washington, DC 20201 Administrator NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services David H. Inoue Japanese American Citizens League 7500 Security Boulevard Derrick Johnson NAACP Baltimore, Maryland 21244 Virginia Kase League of Women Voters of the United States Michael B. Keegan People for the American Way Samer E. Khalaf Re: Nondiscrimination in Health and Health
    [Show full text]
  • Supreme Court of the United States
    No. 19-123 IN THE Supreme Court of the United States SHARONELL FULTON, ET AL., Petitioners, v. CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, ET AL., Respondents. On Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit BRIEF OF GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES & DEFENDERS AND 27 OTHER LGBTQ ADVOCACY GROUPS AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF RESPONDENTS J. ANTHONY DOWNS MARY L. BONAUTO GOODWIN PROCTER LLP Counsel of Record 100 Northern Ave. GARY D. BUSECK Boston, MA 00210 PATIENCE CROZIER (617) 570-1929 GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES [email protected] & DEFENDERS 18 Tremont Street, Suite 950 Boston, MA 02108 (617) 426-1350 [email protected] Counsel for Amici Curiae August 20, 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTEREST OF THE AMICI CURIAE ...................... 1 SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT .................................... 2 ARGUMENT .............................................................. 4 I. The Petitioners’ Proposed Religious Exemption Would Create “Classes Among Citizens” By Denying The “Full Promise” Of Liberty And Equality To LGBTQ People. .............................................. 4 A. Judicial Rulings And Changes Through The Democratic Process Have Moved LGBTQ People Closer To Equal Citizenship In This Country. ................................................... 4 B. The Proposed Exemption Would Undermine Legal Equality For LGBT People In The Near “Limitless … Transactions And Endeavors That Constitute Ordinary Civic Life In A Free Society.” ................................................. 10 C. The Exemption Sought Here Is Unwarranted; Our Democracy Has Long Proved Capable Of Addressing These Issues. ...................... 24 CONCLUSION ......................................................... 32 TABLE OF AUTHORITIES Page(s) Cases: Barrett v. Fontbonne Acad., No. NOCV2014-751, 2015 WL 9682042 (Mass. Super. Ct. Dec. 16, 2015) ...................... 13 Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga., 140 S. Ct. 1731 (2020) ................................... 9, 29 Bowers v. Hardwick, 478 U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Equality-Act-CJR-And
    April 1, 2019 Committee on the Judiciary U.S. House of Representatives 2141 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Nadler, Ranking Member Collins, and Committee Members: The undersigned lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and allied organizations write to express our strong support for the Equality Act (H.R. 5). As LGBTQ and allied organizations, we are particularly eager to discuss how anti-LGBTQ discrimination drives LGBTQ people into poverty and the criminal legal system, as well as discuss the Equality Act’s ability to help address these issues. Employment discrimination is a significant factor contributing to LGBTQ poverty and unemployment rates. Over half of the US population lives in a state without comprehensive, explicit nondiscrimination laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.1 A 2017 Harvard School of Public Health survey found that one in five LGBTQ people reported experiencing discrimination in hiring, pay, and promotions due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.2 Because of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and other areas3, LGBTQ individuals are more likely to be jobless, homeless, and poor than the general population. Additionally, same-sex couples are more likely to experience poverty than different-sex couples4, and the US Transgender Survey found that nearly one-third (29%) of transgender respondents were living in poverty compared to 12% of the general U.S. population.5 This disproportionate rate of poverty is particularly acute for women, people of color, and bisexual people.6 1 Movement Advancement Project, “Non-Discrimination Laws,” last modified March 25, 2019, available at http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non discrimination laws.
    [Show full text]
  • Build It Up: a Guide for Creating Effective GSA Programming
    Build It Up A Guide for Creating Effective GSA Programming About the Color A d o G Ay- S t r A i G h t A l l i A n C e n e t w o r k The Colorado Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Network is a program of One Colorado, a statewide organization dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) Coloradans. The Network was launched as part of a comprehensive plan to empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) and allied students to combat bullying in their schools. To support these student efforts, the Colorado GSA Network has developed tools and resources for Gay-Straight Alliances to educate their schools and communities. Colorado GSA Network was also created to build a statewide network of Gay-Straight Alliances, to connect students from across the state, and to facilitate leadership development through regional and statewide engagement. To learn more about the Colorado GSA Network, please visit our website at www.cogsanetwork.org or call 303-396-6443. t A b le o F C o n t e n t S 1 About This Guide 4 August: Welcome Back and Year-Long Planning 8 September: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 11 October: LGBT History Month 14 November: Transgender Awareness 17 December: Safe Schools and Bullying Prevention 20 January: Gay-Straight Alliance History and GSA Day 23 February: Know Your Student Rights 26 March: Activism and Advocacy 29 April: Intersections of Identity and Isms 32 May: End of the Year Summary 36 Appendices A b out t hi S G u i d e This guide serves as a resource for students involved in their Gay-Straight Alliance or other groups that work to end anti-LGBTQ bullying or create safer, more inclusive climates for LGBTQ students.
    [Show full text]
  • Safe Schools Equality Index Draft
    Safe Schools Equality Index Anti-Bullying Policies Has the district adopted a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, and YES bullying against students that specifically enumerates protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression? NO Non-Discrimination Policies Has the district adopted a policy prohibiting harassment and discrimination against students that specifically enumerates protections based on sexual YES orientation, gender identity, and gender expression? NO Next Steps Amplify the importance of ensuring the confidentiality of transgender and LGBQ students as guided by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Review all forms used in your school, including registration, attendance and class lists, to include options outside the gender binary for students and their families. Ensure students' affirmed names are used on anything that could be seen by other students or families, such as class lists, grade postings or seating charts. Implement procedures and guidelines that ensure the use of a student’s affirmed name in all unofficial documents such as yearbook, printed lists, ID badges, photos, diplomas, etc. Check that individual schools follow these procedures. Verify that computer filtering systems allow staff and students to search for LGBTQ resources to augment learning and well-being. Add links to your district website’s safe schools section about LGBTQ students facts, district best practices and resources. Has the district adopted a policy prohibiting harassment and discrimination YES against faculty and staff that specifically enumerates protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression? NO Next Steps Initiate a LGBTQ and allied faculty and staff affinity group for the purpose of ensuring district LGBTQ faculty, staff, and allies feel valued and are treated equitably.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Supreme Court Holds First Amendment Shields Westboro Baptist Military Funeral Protesters from Tort Liability
    LESBIAN/GAY LAW NOTES April 2011 49 U.S. SUPREME COURT HOLDS FIRST AMENDMENT SHIELDS WESTBORO BAPTIST MILITARY FUNERAL PROTESTERS FROM TORT LIABILITY A majority of the Supreme Court of the dismissed Snyder’s claims for defama- public matters was intended to mask an at- United States has held that members of tion and publicity given to private life, and tack on Snyder over a private matter.” Rob- the Westboro Baptist Church, who regu- held a trial on the remaining claims. A jury erts held that Westboro’s message “cannot larly protest military funerals holding found for Snyder on the remaining claims be restricted simply because it is upsetting signs bearing slogans expressing their dis- and held Westboro liable for $2.0 million or arouses contempt” and concluded that approval of America’s tolerance of homo- in compensatory damages and $8.0 mil- the jury verdict imposing tort liability on sexuality, such as “God Hates Fags,” “Fag lion in punitive damages; the trial court Westboro for intentional infliction of emo- Troops,” “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” later remitted the punitive damages award tional distress must be set aside. and “America is Doomed,” was shielded by to $2.1 million. Westboro appealed to the Justice Roberts also rejected Snyder’s ar- the First Amendment from tort liability for 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which held gument that he was “a member of a captive causing extreme emotional distress to the that Westboro was entirely shielded from audience at his son’s funeral,” stating that father of an Iraq war veteran when they liability by the First Amendment.
    [Show full text]
  • Youth Resource Guide
    YOUTH RESOURCE GUIDE March 2019 Third Edition Contents Contents _________________________________________1 Acknowledgements________________________________3 Our Mission_______________________________________5 Our Commitment to Diversity________________________5 Our Public Policy Platform __________________________7 Atlantic County Resources _________________________10 Camden County Resources ________________________13 Cape May County Resources _______________________17 Cumberland County Resources _____________________19 Gloucester County Resources_______________________20 Salem County Resources __________________________25 Southern New Jersey Regional Resources ____________26 New Jersey Statewide Resources ___________________31 Philadelphia Resources ___________________________36 Wilmington Resources____________________________38 National Resources ______________________________41 GLSEN Resources________________________________53 1 Resource Information Form________________________63 Online Donations_________________________________63 Volunteer _______________________________________63 Resource Guide PDF______________________________63 Resource Updates________________________________63 2 Acknowledgements GLSEN Southern New Jersey would like to thank the Cumberland County Department of Human Services, Youth Services Commission and Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council for all of their help in collecting, compiling, and editing the information provided in this guide. We would like to thank Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church in Egg
    [Show full text]