Long-awaited bullying guide released

On April 30 the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released an anti-bullying guide for teachers and administrators that includes a three-page section on LGBT-related bullying issues.

The guide, originally developed by the Governor's Task Force on Hate Crimes, was delayed for several years under the administration of former Gov. Mitt Romney. Gov. Deval Patrick's administration has committed to distributing copies of the guide to public schools across the state. In addition to the hate crimes task force the Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth and the state Department of Public Health (DPH) made major contributions to the writing of the guide.

Pam Garramone, executive director of Greater Boston Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), said the guide's section on LGBT-related bullying might create important dialogue in schools around bullying.

"I think it's an important topic to talk about and will help. If this gets in the hands of educators it will help," said Garramone.

Among other recommendations, the guide urges teachers and administrators to punish all instances of anti-gay harassment and name-calling consistently, and it recommends teachers incorporate LGBT examples into discussions of family life. It asks schools to support the creation of gay/straight alliances and to allow students to bring dates to dances and social events regardless of gender. It also provides a list of resources for teachers and administrators hoping to learn more, including Greater Boston PFLAG.

Garramone also said having the official state seal and the DPH's name on the guide helps administrators feel more confident about responding to anti-LGBT harassment.

"When you have a mandate and the support of the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health to take actions, you're more likely to do it. ... You want to make sure that you're doing the right thing and you have the law behind you and you're going to be backed up," said Garramone.