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Safe and Supportive Environments (SSE) is intended to increase school connectedness for all students, including LGBT students. Gay Straight Alliances or Genders and Sexualities Alliances (GSAs) have been associated with improvements. GSA is a student-led club, typically run in a middle or high school, which creates a safe space for students to socialize, support each other, discuss issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and work to end homophobia and transphobia in their school and/or broader community.
GSAs align with models of positive youth development in that they are structured to foster youth empowerment, with student members at the center of decision-making, while also connecting youth to adult support, usually in the form of a faculty advisor. Typical implementation involves regular group meetings as well as supplemental events and activities.
In addition to Federal and State Law protections, Duval County Public School Board Policy Chapter 10.10 prohibits the discrimination or harassment of any person on the "basis of a person's actual or perceived identity with regard to race, color, religion, gender or gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other distinguishing physical or personality characteristics, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by this School District, except as provided by law." Additionally, the Anti-Bullying Policy 10.20 and the Equity Policy 1.22 also outline protections for our diverse students and staff.
Furthermore, DCPS strives to create a culture of inclusion while countering the bullying, harassment, social isolation, and bigotry that dramatically increase risk factors for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) students. Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are a great tool to improve spaces for ALL students through peer support, leadership development, and student empowerment.
ALL IN DCPS














Resources
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School-Based Support
DCPS Office of Equity and Inclusion
904-390-2010
GSA & Student Support
JASMYN
904-389-3857
24/7 Crisis Support
DCPS Crisis Hotline
904-390-2535
Bully Prevention
To report bullying and harassment, call or text (904) 390-2255.
see also the District's Student Code of Conduct.
For assistance in managing a bullying investigation, contact
the Office of Equity and Inclusion at (904) 390-2181.
Schools with Active GSAs
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Listed are schools that have GSAs
A Phillip Randolph Mandarin HS
Andrew Jackson HS Mandarin MS
Atlantic Coast HS Mayport Coastal Sciences MS
Darnell Cookman Oceanway MS
Douglas Anderson Paxon HS
Duval Charter HS Ribault MS
Ed White HS Ribault HS
Edward Waters College Riverside HS
Englewood HS Sandalwood HS
First Coast HS Seaside Charter
Fletcher HS Southside MS
Fletcher MS Springfield MS
Frank H. Peterson Stanton HS Terry
Ft Caroline MS Terry Parker HS
Kernan MS Twin Lakes MS
Lakeshore MS Westside HS
Landon MS Wolfson HS
LaVilla M