Sign Up for email alerts



Safe Schools Improvement Act

H.R. 2262

The Problem

Bullying and harassment of students who are, or are perceived to be, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) is widespread.  While current federal law provides important support to promote school safety, it does not comprehensively and expressly focus on issues of bullying or harassment, and in no way addresses the challenges faced by LGBT youth in our nation’s schools. 

In the 2007 National School Climate Survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), nearly three-fifths of students reported feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, and more than a third felt unsafe because of their gender expression.  In addition, 44% of LGBT students surveyed reported experiencing physical harassment and 22.1% reported being physically assaulted at school in the last year. 

What is the Safe Schools Improvement Act?

The Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) would amend the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (part of the No Child Left Behind Act) to require schools and districts receiving federal funds to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.  The Act would also require that states report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education. 

Broad Support from Educators and Administrators

Numerous education, health, law enforcement and youth development organizations support federal legislation to combat bullying and harassment, including the American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, American School Health Association, National Association of School Psychologists, National Education Association and National Parent Teacher Association.   

What is the Current Status of the Bill?

SSIA was introduced in the 111th Congress by Representative Linda Sánchez (D-CA) in the House.  There is no Senate bill at this time. 

For more information, please contact legislation@hrc.org.



Last Updated: Monday, May 11, 2009