Bull City Schools United
Civic & Social Organization - Durham, North Carolina, United States
Bull City Schools United Employees
Bull City Schools United Details
Bull City Schools United (BCSU) mobilizes educators & families to combat race, gender, and anti-LGBTQ discrimination in schools while creating positive climates for ALL students.Since the passage of HB2 (a law targeting the rights of trans* and LGBT people in public accommodations), school districts in Charlotte, Durham, and beyond have expanded their non-discrimination policies, declared non-compliance with unfair laws, and doubled their verbal commitments to protecting LGBT students. Despite these important gestures, a wide gap continues to exist between policy language that affirms students and the reality of the support they receive in school. 92% of LGBT students still report hearing negative messages about being LGBT and these students are 2-6 times more likely than their peers to attempt suicide. School is among the least safe places for them.Research shows that students with at least 6 supportive teachers are more likely to feel safe in school. These students are more likely to graduate, enroll in college, and report higher GPAs.It has become increasingly clear that leadership from teachers in creating safer spaces and holding districts accountable for inclusive policy is incumbent. In Durham, teacher-leaders are doing this by launching an innovative teacher-leadership program focused on equity in Durham Public Schools. The program is a partnership between staff members, community leaders, and the LGBTQ Center of Durham and will launch as Bull City Schools United.Bull City Schools United aims to fill the gap between progressive policies and lacking enforcement by empowering teacher leaders to connect with community resources, assess the needs at their school, and build comprehensive cultural change programs within their building. Schools who participate will receive support throughout the year in navigating their way to safer hallways, classrooms, and community spaces, specifically targeting queer students of color.
