This week GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, launches public education campaign entitled Teach Respect on April 13, 2005. The launch of the campaign coincides with the culmination of the Day of Silence, where in over 4,000 schools an estimated 450,000 students in all 50 states and Puerto Rico will take a vow of silence to bring attention to the bias and harassment experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their allies.

The Teach Respect campaign seeks to educate, inform and inspire Americans to address the serious problems of anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment that affects ALL students – gay and straight alike – in our nation’s schools.

“It is fitting that GLSEN launches the Teach Respect campaign on the Day of Silence,” said Kevin Jennings, Founder and Executive Director of GLSEN. “As hundreds of thousands of students lead a silent event to educate their classmates and communities about anti-LGBT bias, violence and harassment, GLSEN now breaks the silence on this issue with a campaign encouraging all Americans to take action to make schools safe for all students.”

According to GLSEN’s 2003 National School Climate Survey, 4 out of 5 LGBT students report being verbally, sexually or physically harassed at school because of their sexual orientation. The study also found that inclusive safe schools policies, teacher trainings on LGBT issues and supporting student clubs commonly known as Gay-Straight Alliances are part of the solution to ensure schools are safe and effective environments for all students.

The Teach Respect campaign will use public service announcements, or PSAs, in print media and radio to raise awareness of the harmful effects of bullying and harassment in America’s schools. The Teach Respect PSAs can be viewed and heard on a re-launched educational website, www.TeachRespect.com. The site will also provide information and resources about what can individuals can do within their homes, schools and communities to curb anti-LGBT bullying and harassment.