The 2021 National School Climate Survey

The GLSEN National School Climate Survey* is our flagship report on the school experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in schools, including the extent of the challenges that they face at school and the school-based resources that support LGBTQ students’ well-being. The survey has consistently indicated that specific school-based supports are related to a safer and more inclusive school climate, including: supportive educators, LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum, inclusive and supportive policies, and supportive student clubs, such as Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs).

Download our 2021 National School Climate Survey report.

The full GLSEN 2021 National School Climate Survey report includes information on LGBTQ middle and high school students' experiences, including:

• Hearing biased language, from both students and educators
• Experiences of harassment and assault
• Anti-LGBTQ discrimination
• Effects of a hostile school climate on educational outcomes and psychological well-being
• The availability and utility of supportive school resources

This report also examines demographic and school differences in students’ experiences, and explores LGBTQ students' experiences with GSAs. In addition, this installment of GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey also includes an exploration of how school climate has changed over time. Because this data is from the 2020-2021 academic year, when schools had to respond to the COVID pandemic, we also discuss key differences between the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in online only, in-person only, and hybrid learning environments.

* Last updated on October 18, 2022