Bullied Calif. Teen Kills Himself at School

The Los Angeles Times reported today on yet another tragedy in California, this time the sad story of a 14-year-old boy who shot himself at school because of constant torment and bullying.

How many more stories like this do we have to read before schools and policy makers make a definitive commitment to address this problem?

Teen Who Killed Himself Inside Acton High School was Bullied, Students Say

Tall, awkward and dealing with a learning disability, 14-year-old Jeremiah Lasater was a target of frequent taunts by schoolyard bullies at Vasquez High School in Acton, students said Tuesday.

Even the classroom wasn't always safe for the 6-foot-5 teen, who in middle school was poked and teased by some of his fellow special needs students, according to a former teacher.

Monday was no different. At least two boys threw food at Lasater during lunch, two students said.

Then, as lunch was ending and other students scurried to fifth-period classes, Lasater headed to a boy's bathroom and locked himself inside a stall. He pulled out a weapon and shot himself in the head.

GLSEN and the Ad Council Launch Think B4 You Speak Campaign

GREAT NEWS!

For over a year, GLSEN has been working with the Ad Council to develop a campaign against anti-LGBT language, and it’s finally here!

You can check out the New York Times story about the campaign here.

At the new website for this campaign you'll find the video PSAs and resources and links to help stop anti-LGBT language and behavior. Go there to sign a pledge against such language and pass it on to your friends!

Our brand new 2007 National School Climate Survey was also released Wednesday. The NSCS is the only national survey to document the experiences of students who identify as LGBT in America's secondary schools. Read all about it and even download the full report here.

And while you're exploring all this new stuff at GLSEN, also check out our new website.

Thanks for supporting us - you make our work possible!

--GLSEN HQ