Effects of School Policies and Programs on Violence Among All High School Students and Sexual and Gender Minority Students

Authors

Theresa H. Cruz, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Prevention and Population Sciences, Deputy Director, UNM Prevention ResearchCenter, University of New Mexico, MSC 11 61451, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131
Danielle E. Ross-Reed, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Prevention and Population Sciences, University of NewMexico, MSC 11 6145, 1 Universityof New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131
Courtney A. FitzGerald, Department of Pediatrics, UNM Prevention Research Center, MSC 11 6145, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131
Kathryn Overton, Department of Political Science, MSC 05-3070, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001
Eric Landrau-Cribbs, Department of Pediatrics, UNM Prevention Research Center, MSC 11 6145, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131
Melissa Schiff, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostats, and Preventive Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-22-2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Youth identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) and/or transgender/gender nonconforming (TGNC) are at increased risk of violence. School policies and practices may mitigate this risk.

METHODS

Researchers merged data from the 2016 New Mexico School Health Profiles and the 2017 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey. Researchers employed multivariable logistic regression to test the associations between school-level measures and violence outcomes.

RESULTS

Genders and sexualities alliances (GSAs) were associated with reduced odds of lifetime forced sex among all, heterosexual cisgender, and LGB students, reduced odds of sexual violence among heterosexual cisgender students, and reduced odds of dating violence among LGB students. Inclusive sexual health education was associated with reduced odds of lifetime forced sex among LGB and TGNC students, reduced odds of sexual violence among LGB students, and increased odds of dating violence among heterosexual cisgender students. Inclusive teacher training was associated with increased odds of lifetime forced sex among TGNC students.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

Inclusive sexual health education and the presence of active GSAs may have the greatest potential for reducing violence, especially among LGB and TGNC students.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the important role of school policies and practices in addressing violence.

Publisher

Wiley Online Library

Publication Title

Journal of School Health

DOI

doi.org/10.1111/josh.13297

Language (ISO)

English

Recommended Citation

Cruz TH, Ross-Reed DE, FitzGerald CA, Overton K, Landrau-Cribbs E, Schiff M. Effects of school policies and programson violence among all high school students and sexual and gender minority students. J Sch Health. 2023; DOI: 10.1111/josh.13297