Date of Award

Fall 12-2023

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

School

Education

Committee Chair

Dr. Kyna Shelley

Committee Chair School

Education

Committee Member 2

Dr. Thomas O'Brien

Committee Member 2 School

Education

Committee Member 3

Dr. David Lee

Committee Member 3 School

Education

Committee Member 4

Dr. Noal Cochran

Committee Member 4 School

Education

Committee Member 5

Dr. Ann Blankenship-Knox

Abstract

The goal of this study was to explore opinions of teachers and administrators in the South, when dealing with inclusive education within their school. Additionally, the goal was to examine the reported effect of teachers and administrators’ opinions of providing LGBTQ students with inclusive education on the school climate and risk factors of students. The study explored what practices and strategies have been implemented to provide an inclusive education for LGBTQ students.

The results of this study confirmed that bullying of LGBTQ students exists in schools in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and a lack of specific policy to address the bullying. Another thing it confirmed is the presence of risk factors among LGBTQ students who are bullied. Many schools do not have safe spaces for LGBTQ students and these students are not included in sex education. Most schools and/or school districts are failing to provide professional development to address the needs of LGBTQ students, especially those who are bullied and facing risk factors described in this study.

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