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SALT LAKE CITY -- Family members of gay students made a public plea Tuesday urging the Salt Lake City School District to implement an anti-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation.
A press conference held Tuesday morning focused on the detrimental implications of a discrimination policy that excludes gender identity and expression. The president of the Salt Lake City chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays expressed her concern for the children who she says are "non-conforming."
Related:
For gay youths, middle school can be hardest time
Experts are seeing evidence that middle school is the toughest time for gay youth- a time of self-discovery, but also when bullying and intolerance is at its peak."Research has shown that children who are gender non-conforming are at the highest risk for harassment and bullying at school," said Cathy Goodwin.
The group applauds a new policy considered by the school district that would ban discrimination, harassment, and retaliation during investigations into cases.
If passed, the Salt Lake City School District would become the first district in the state to implement such a policy.
