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.