Dignity for All
Safeguarding LGBT Students
- Peter DeWitt - Corwin Author and Consultant
All students deserve a safe, respectful school environment
Students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered are susceptible to harassment from their peers and are at high risk of dropping out of school. This book provides professional development ideas and real-life vignettes that will help educational leaders foster a more caring school culture not only for LGBT students, but for all students. Peter DeWitt presents specific strategies for school leaders that include:
- Implementing a student code of conduct and school board policies to safeguard students
- Helping staff members recognize and respond to overt and covert LGBT issues
- Professional development guidelines to equip staff to intervene
- Ways to include appropriate LGBT topics in the curriculum
- Supporting Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) in middle and high school settings
This practical and compassionate guide contains numerous cases and examples, strategies and templates for codes of conduct (including the NY Code), book study questions, and links to pertinent articles, websites, and blogs for further information. Dignity for All helps inform educators of the issues and methods for building acceptance in a diverse world.
"Dignity for All is a wise book that will help administrators, teachers, and parents work together to make sure that our schools are welcoming for all of our students. Peter DeWitt provides the insight and ideas to lead the way in including LGBT students."
"In this book, a group of students that is often misunderstood and frequently maligned finds a voice. Educators whose reach extends to every student will discover here a deeper understanding of these students’ needs as well as sound advice on addressing those needs."
“Leaders set the tone for their buildings. Peter DeWitt offers an important resource for teachers and administrators that will help create an inclusive school for all students.”
"Dignity for All provides educators with critical information on the experiences of LGBT students in our schools and how to create safe and affirming spaces for these youth. Grounded in his experience as a teacher and school administrator, Peter DeWitt makes vital knowledge accessible for those on the front lines in schools."
"This book is a valuable resource guide for schools considering a course of action. It is recommended for all high schools seeking progressive change."
