Anti-Gay Bullying and Youth Suicide in the Media: Anoka-Hennepin School District Case Study

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

In less than two years, nine young people in the Minnesota school district committed suicide. Five of these individuals were students attending Anoka High School. Many believe that their deaths were connected to the struggles they encountered in school based on their sexual orientations. Bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth is an international problem which must be addressed. Although there has been some progress within schools, there are still some school officials, staff, parents, and students who fail to abide by rules and suggestions made to protect students. Looking at news articles, which focus on the deaths of the students and reactions to these incidents, common themes that arise will be analyzed and presented. Based on the information obtained suggestions can be made on how to prevent these incidents from occurring in the future. Moreover, what occurred at Anoka-Hennepin school district will be used to promote the implementation of Gay-Straight-Alliances within all schools throughout the United States.

Author

• Renee Stephanie Grozelle, University of Ontario Institute of Technology