Whereas, All children and youth should be able to attend school in a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination, and that history has shown that civil rights laws are effective in contributing to such environments; and  

Whereas, Explicit federal statutory protections currently address discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, but not sexual orientation or gender identity; and  

Whereas, The lack of awareness and understanding of issues facing LGBTQ children and youth has contributed to a higher rate of isolation, depression, and suicidal ideations or attempts; and   

Whereas, Education regarding LGBTQ issues increases understanding and cultivates acceptance of and respect for LGBTQ children and youth; and  

Whereas, Harassment and bullying policies that specifically mention sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are associated with: students feeling more safe; lower levels of bullying; decreased incidents of harassment related to sexual orientation; increased teacher/staff intervention; and a greater reporting of incidents; now therefore be it  

Resolved, That National PTA supports civil rights legislation[1], Department of Education guidance[2], and Department of Justice guidance[3] that provides the protection of all children and youth, and that ensures equitable access to education, safe school environments, and affirming health care; and be it further  

Resolved, That National PTA seek and support legislation that specifically recognizes LGBTQ+ as a protected group and addresses discrimination based upon sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; and be it further  

Resolved, That National PTA encourage state, local units, and councils to review school policies specifically focused on the creation of a safe, inclusive, supportive, and accepting environment in schools and support revisions and amendments to those policies that specifically address the topics of sexual orientation and gender identification/ expression as they relate to creating a safe, inclusive, supportive, and accepting school environment free from violence, harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations seek and support passage of legislation and implementation of laws and regulations recognizing LGBTQ+ student rights and create a safe, supportive, affirming, and accepting environment in schools, specifically with training and access to age- and developmentally appropriate resources for educators, other school related professionals, families, and community members to support all students; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations seek to update health education standards to address issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and other LGBTQ+ topics; and be it further 

Resolved, That National PTA work with the Department of Education to strongly encourage states to incorporate the revised health education standards regarding age appropriate, medically accurate and culturally sensitive information on LGBTQ+ issues into existing health and other appropriate curricula; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution shall be in full force and effect until the last day of June 2030.

Adopted: by the 2016 Convention delegates
Amended: by the 2023 Convention delegates