Thursday, March 14, 2024
By now you may have heard about the death of Nex Benedict (they/them), the day after they were beaten by other students in an Oklahoma school bathroom. Nex was a nonbinary student. We know from our own Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey that LGBTQ+ youth face more bullying at school and experience less belonging at school. Based on national data we know that the presence of an accepting adult can reduce by 40 PERCENT the chances that an LGBTQ+ youth will attempt suicide. An Out for Safe Schools badge is a symbol that a young person can talk to the adult who wears it, or even just know they are there. If you are interested in badges for you or your colleagues, please email dpisspw@dpi.wi.gov.