Hawthorne High School, like many other schools in New Jersey, participates in the “Stigma Free” initiative, a campaign meant to promote understanding, acceptance, and respect around mental health and other topics. The goal is to build a community where no one feels like an outcast. While this is powerful, many students in our don’t always have this experience.
According to government data 49% of New Jersey high school students report verbal harassment, 15% have experienced physical harassment, and 42% have faced anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination at school. These numbers suggest the intention isn’t always matching the reality.
Discrimination doesn’t just happen in the form of whispers or rumors. It shows up in rules, policies, and daily experiences across New Jersey schools. The data shows how deep the problem runs:
- Bathroom and locker room access: 17% of LGBTQ+ students were prevented from using the bathroom that aligned with their gender, and 16% were unable to use the locker room consistent with their gender.
- Name and pronoun use: Between 12% and 21% of students were prevented from using their chosen name or pronouns at school.
- Clothing and expression: 13% of students were told they couldn’t wear clothing “inappropriate” for their gender, while 9% were discouraged or stopped from wearing LGBTQ-supportive apparel.
- Sports and activities: 7% were discouraged or stopped from joining a sports team consistent with their gender identity, and 5% were not allowed to bring a same-gender date to a school dance.
- Discipline: 17% of LGBTQ+ students were disciplined for public displays of affection in situations where straight students weren’t, and 2% were even disciplined simply for identifying as LGBTQ+.
ALL Above Statistics Can Be Found At: State Report Card: New Jersey, Aug. 2024, maps.glsen.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NJ-State-Report-Card_18dec2024.pdf.
These numbers show that the issue goes beyond friendly teasing. For some students, discrimination is built into their everyday school life, from the bathrooms they’re allowed to use to the clothes they’re allowed to wear. If we truly want a stigma free school districts have to show and recognize that freedom and safety should apply to every student, not just some.
Creating a truly stigma free school means listening to students when they say they feel excluded. Creating a GSA (Gender and Sexuality) club is one way to do this. The club can host forums to show teachers how to have more inclusive topics in class, and students can practice empathy in everyday situations (even in something as small as picking teams in the gym). Being “Stigma Free” isn’t just a slogan, its something we have to practice in our everyday lives, in how we speak, how we play, and how we treat each other. We all deserve to feel safe and respected at school.
Lady Gaga said it best “There are some people in this world that believe being gay is a choice. It’s not a choice; we’re born this way.”
We all have the power to make this school, our school a little more “Stigma Free”, by listening, supporting, and speaking up. And if you ever feel alone please reach out.
- Guidance counselors and teachers can connect you to support.
- The Trevor Project (988, press 3)
- Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860)
- National Runaway Safeline (1-800-RUNAWAY)
Being yourself should never be something you should have to apologize for.