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• Project One aims to stop the hate

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Bullying, name-calling and sometimes even violence are things that nearly every middle school and high school child experiences, even against the best of efforts. There is always a need for new approaches to the issue of bullying or at least a closer look at the current attempts to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

One such effort in local schools began this past May. Known as Project ONE, this campus organization works with local schools to educate high school and middle school teachers on how to work with and understand their LGBT students. Kari Britton, coordinator for Project One, said programs like these will help integrate LGBT concerns into school policies, curricula and after-school programs and, therefore, foster a safe environment for all students, especially those who identify as LGBT.

“There seemed to be a divide between campus and Champaign-Urbana schools,” Britton said. “There’s always a divide.”

Britton said though campus is a generally accepting and available area for the LGBT community, middle school and high school students need somewhere to feel that same safety and acceptance, something she said can easily be found in the schools, administration and classrooms. Britton said that schools need to be supportive and do more by bringing issues into the curriculum and supporting legislation against instances of hate crimes.

“Schools need to put stuff into the curriculum each year,” Britton said.

Leslie Morrow, director of the LGBT Resource Center, is involved with the project, as well as a number of the cultural houses and sponsors on campus. Morrow acknowledged the influences parental figures have, especially from kindergarten through high school, in the decisions of what children will and won’t be exposed to in schools.

“Certain schools will be in opposition to the group, and with any other group, this would not be the case,” said Morrow, who claimed that nine times out of 10, initiatives like these are most likely to be opposed by the community. Morrow called for continued knowledge in education against discrimination and terms such as “alternative sexual behaviors and practices” when referring to the LGBT community.

“There is a need for training with the professional staff in schools,” Morrow said. “These efforts and knowledge in the classroom require consistent attention to the curriculum and require constant focus.”

Almost three months into the project, Project One hasn’t seen too much opposition, Britton said, though she does have some concerns. However, as the project continues, Britton will also work with the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs and P.E. classes to hold workshops throughout the year. Even though it may be a “few years off” before the goals of Project One are fully realized, Britton said beginning to add LGBT issues into a school’s curriculum is a way to get the project moving.

“The community can’t ignore these kids,” Britton said. “They are not weird, and they are not different.”