Safe Schools Coalition

The Montana Human Rights Network works protect equality, justice and democracy for all. As part of this mission, the Network has worked to support students, teachers, parents and schools dealing with bullying and harassment. These activities include:

Creating a video, The End of Silence, featuring interviews with Montana students about their experiences with anti-gay harassment. The video and training materials are available by contacting the Network.

Lobbying the 2005 legislature to pass SB 195, the “Safe Schools Bill,” which would require Montana Schools to adopt and enforce anti-bullying policies.

Conducting a 2005 survey to accurately and thoroughly analyze Montana youth’s experiences with harassment, sexuality, homelessness and high risk behavior. To obtain a report on this survey, contact the Network.

Working with the State Board of Public Education to require schools to adopt and enforce anti-bullying policies.

Helping to assemble the Montana Safe Schools Coalition.

The Montana Safe Schools Coalition formed in response to concerns that students, parents and teachers raised about severe anti-gay harassment and even violence in their schools. These complaints often include stories of inaction—or even the endorsement of anti-gay attitudes. The Coalition offers teacher workshops to educate school officials and teachers about the harmful effects of the anti-gay bias on ALL students and to help them develop skills to address it.

The Coalition is formed of the following groups:

• The Montana Human Rights Network
• PRIDE: Montana’s gay and lesbian civil rights organization
• ACLU of Montana: American Civil Liberties Union,
• PFLAG of Montana:  Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
• Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
• MT Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
• American Association of University Women

If you would like to bring a teacher workshop to your school or community, or if you would like any more information on the Safe Schools Coalition, contact the Network or any of the Coalition member groups.