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Understanding the Impacts of the School Environment

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Gender and Sexual Diversity in Schools

Part of the book series: Explorations of Educational Purpose ((EXEP,volume 10))

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Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of current research on the physical and emotional harms that can occur when issues of gender and sexual diversity are ignored, addressed in negative ways, or inaccurate information is presented in schools and communities. Recent studies offer readers specific statistics on incidences of bullying and harassment (including cyber-bullying), forms of self-harm (such as drug and alcohol use, suicide, and high-risk sex), truancy and drop-outs, poor academic performance (lower grades, less likely to attend college), and the impact of heteronormative gender-role expectations on career and scholarly aspirations. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of the potential impacts of positive school climates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Education, Concordia University, 1455 de Maissonneuve Blvd. W., LB 581, Montreal, QC, H3G 1M8, Canada

    Prof. Elizabeth J. Meyer

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  1. Prof. Elizabeth J. Meyer
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Correspondence to Elizabeth J. Meyer .

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Meyer, E.J. (2010). Understanding the Impacts of the School Environment. In: Gender and Sexual Diversity in Schools. Explorations of Educational Purpose, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8559-7_6

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