The Trevor Project’s 2020 national survey reveals a distressing reality: 52% of LGBTQ+ students reported bullying at school or online within the past year. Even more troubling, transgender and non-binary students experienced bullying rates 16% higher than their cisgender LGBTQ+ peers. The consequences are dire—LGBTQ+ students who endure bullying face three times the risk of attempting suicide. Yet, there is hope. The same study found that LGBTQ+ students in schools affirming of their identities had 30% lower chances of being bullied.

Despite this, Cedar Falls, IA, school board recently removed gender identity from their anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies, following the enactment of SF418, which stripped gender identity from Iowa civil rights protections. This decision sends a dangerous message: that protecting all students is not a priority.

In light of these facts, it's critical that we urge the Cedar Falls, IA, School Board to reinstate gender identity into their anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies. Excluding gender identity from these vital protections leaves a portion of our student population vulnerable to harassment, discrimination, and violence. Reinstating this essential component of the policies underscores our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their gender identity.

Schools have a responsibility not only to educate but also to protect and nurture all students. By ensuring that our schools' policies are inclusive, we are actively working towards reducing bullying and the associated negative mental health impacts. We can offer LGBTQ+ students a chance for a safer and more supportive educational environment.

Join us in calling for the Cedar Falls school board to reverse their decision and ensure that gender identity is recognized and protected within our schools. Let us stand together to promote inclusivity and safety for every child. Please sign this petition to make your voice heard and support our LGBTQ+ community.