Date Approved
8-31-2023
Graduate Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Criminal Justice (M.S.)
Degree Program
School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, & Legal Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Tonisha Jones
Second Advisor
Dr. Carrie Buist
Third Advisor
Dr. Jina Lee
Academic Year
2022/2023
Abstract
Schools are supposed to be a safe space for learning and development for all students regardless of race or gender however, many sexual minority students experience extreme forms of victimization in school which results in poor academic performance, suicidal ideation, illegal drug use, alcohol use and weapon carrying on school property. The current study aimed to identify the school experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual high school students and to determine whether they have the same school experiences as their heterosexual peers. Secondary data obtained from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System was used for analysis. The results of the study found that sexual minority students experience more bullying and are more likely to develop suicidal ideations and carry weapons to school than their heterosexual peers. The results also found that students who identify as bisexual are more likely to engage in alcohol and illegal drug use than their heterosexual peers.
ScholarWorks Citation
Pinamang, Abena, "Sexual Minority Students' Negative Experiences in High School" (2023). Masters Theses. 1095.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/1095
