Our Mission

The Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition (OSSCC) seeks to create safe schools and communities where every family can belong, every educator can teach, and every child can learn regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The OSSCC believes that all youth deserve to feel safe and welcome in our schools and communities. We seek to achieve this mission in three ways:

1) Education:

Education is crucial to ending prejudice and hate-motivated violence. The OSSCC prepares community members from rural, suburban, and urban areas of Oregon to plan, organize, and present educational workshops that address the health and safety needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and families in their communities.

2) Data Collection:

Ongoing data collection and reporting of anti-GLBT harassment and violence is important to raising public awareness and improving the climate for all youth in our schools and communities. The OSSCC seeks to implement a statewide process for youth to report bias, harassment, or violence directed at themselves or others and to receive support and referral when reporting these activities.

3) Support Services:

The OSSCC will make support available at the request of youth, parents, or school personnel, to intervene in possible sexual orientation or gender identity bias and harassment situations. We can help youth create a safety plan, meet with school administrators, or provide links to educational or community resources.

 

Legislative Update on Senate Bill 1555

The Oregon School Psychologist's Association (OSPA) led the effort over the past year to amend the Oregon Safe Schools Act, which will require school employees to report acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying and acts of cyber bullying. Last month, Basic Rights Oregon, OSSCC and the Healthy Kids Learn Better Coalition all voiced support for OSPA's bill, Senate Bill 1555. It passed both the Senate and the House unanimously and is awaiting a signature from the Governor. OSPA is a longtime member of our coalition and contributor to the good work that happens in schools around the State. OSSCC submitted comments in support of OSPA's bill. Visit our News section to read more.