Dear Colleague,
Our team grieves the death of Nex Benedict, a non-binary and Indigenous high school student from Oklahoma. The health and safety of LGBTQ+ students is affected by laws and policies that can promote either equity or inequity. While many states have anti-bullying and nondiscrimination protections in place for LGBTQ+ students, others do not, contributing to LGBTQ+ students' increased risk of mental and physical violence (Movement Advancement Project Safe Schools Laws; SHAPE Policy Map). As legislative attacks targeting LGBTQ+ people have increased, particularly on transgender and non-binary youth, it is imperative that schools are safe and supportive environments for all children to learn and thrive. We have linked resources on supporting transgender and gender diverse students and staff. We also encourage school staff, parents, and community members to access and share the resources and information from organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth. Further guides and best practice resources are available below: Thank you for your work to support students, The National Center for School Mental Health Team | 
