It is imperative that more states pass stricter anti-bullying laws which include actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity as a motivating characteristic. GLSEN's 2011 National School Climate Survey found that 81.9% of LGBT youth had experienced harassment at school in the previous year due to their sexual orientation and 29.8% had skipped a day of school in the previous month due to safety concerns. They also found that students whose school had a comprehensive anti-bullying policy experienced lower levels of victimization in regards to their sexual orientation. More states need to follow the example of New Jersey, whose current legislation offers youth the most protection against bullying. Our youth will not be safe until stricter legislation is passed in all 50 states.
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