Program Agenda

Leading the Way in Support of our LGBTQ+ Students Today

Chris Erchull Staff Attorney, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)

Supporting all students. It’s what NH School Leaders do. Chris Erchull, Attorney GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) will share legislative updates as well as litigation on topics affecting LGBTQ+ students These topics include supporting students with the appropriate usage of names and pronouns and maintaining student privacy around this issue, updates on policy surrounding student use of bathrooms and locker rooms, providing access to sex-separated programs including school sports, efforts to remove books and other materials from classrooms and libraries, and bullying and harassment issues

Chris will invite a panel of experts to offer a variety of perspectives on these topics as well as to discuss the questions: How do school leaders navigate the privacy of students who are not yet ready to disclose information to their parents and families, especially if they have asked for support from school staff? How do school leaders continue to create school climates that are accepting of all students even when families and communities may be divided? How do school leaders navigate a mental health crisis disproportionately impacting LGBTQ+ youth, an increasingly heated political climate, mounting pressure from lawmakers and school boards, and the imperative to work in partnership with parents for the best interests of students?