Overview: Loudoun County youth, through focus groups sponsored by the Loudoun Youth Initiative, have identified bullying as one of the top five problems they are facing. Interventions specifically addressing anti-gay bullying have been consistently opposed by some elected officials, as have been student initiated responses to the problem (see Drama Policy). There are currently at least four Gay/Straight Alliances and similar student initiated support clubs in public schools; the first was established at Loudoun County High School in 2003.
Vocal opponents of programs to combat anti-gay bullying include Sterling Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio, former Council on National Policy director and Ashburn resident Steve Baldwin, and former Delegate Dick Black. Legislative efforts to block students from establishing Gay/Straight Alliances are ongoing and expected to continue, with Virginia a targeted state in the national strategy of anti-gay activists.
Articles on bullying in schools
Equality Loudoun Addresses County BoS Re: Supervisor Delgaudio
Press Release of anti-gay activist and CNP director Steve Baldwin
Delgaudio Draws Rebukes
Supervisor criticized for anti-gay remarks
Delgaudio Criticized for Anti-Gay Rights Stance
Delgaudio Targets Schools With Anti-Gay Tirade
Equality Loudoun, Area Churches Condemn Sterling Supervisor
School System Disputes Delgaudio Claims
Delgaudio: Anti-Bullying Efforts Should Not Protect Gay Students
Articles on Gay/Straight Alliances
They can’t help themselves – HB 1727
You just can’t make this stuff up.
Common ground
Rainbow Caf̩ Рyouth support project
Other Voices: Club bill a thinly veiled threat
Stay tuned for GSA bill in Senate
Statewide group for gay youth forms
Oppose attack on Gay/Straight Alliances
Once Shunned, Student Knows He’s No Longer Alone
Lohr To Tackle Issue Of School Clubs
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