2019-EO1: In Support of Native Students, Educators, and Community Members who Identify as LGBTQ2S

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1970 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians; and

WHEREAS, NIEA as the largest national Native organization of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian educators, administrators, parents, and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Native people; and

WHEREAS, through its unique relationship with Native nations and tribes, the federal government has established programs and resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, NIEA supports the recognition and protection of the rights of all Native students, including those who identify as two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and all other gender and sexual identities (LGBTQ2S); and

WHEREAS, LGBTQ2S students have historically experienced disproportionate rates of school discipline, bullying, harassment, and mental health concerns than their peers; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQ2S students share experiences of harassment, bullying, and discrimination from school systems and peers due to their gender or sexuality, which hinders educational success and facilitates disengagement from school; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQ2S students are more likely to feel unsafe in the classroom, causing them to miss class or drop-out from school more often than non-identifying students; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQ2S adult professionals serve as significant role models for Native youth, both professionally and culturally; and

WHEREAS, the history of LGBTQ2S people in Native communities includes the sacred and ceremonial role of Two Spirit people as leaders in traditional communities; and

WHEREAS, research shows that Native students thrive in classrooms that recognize and respect their identities, cultures, and spiritualties.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Indian Education Association recognizes and supports LGBTQ2S Native students, educators, and community members as a means of building culture-based educational systems where all American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian students can be inspired, engaged, and thrive.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NIEA until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.