NAGC Statement on Recent Trend of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is deeply concerned by the recent wave of legislation that aims to ostracize and exclude students and their families who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Over the last few years, countless bills have been introduced and passed at the state and local levels that seek to censor teachers, ban books from school libraries, and prohibit classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity. Restrictive policies such as these not only create a chilling environment for educators, but are detrimental to gifted LGBTQ+ students, many of whom already face discrimination and marginalization in their daily lives, leading to negative impacts on their mental health. 

NAGC strongly supports the equitable and respectful treatment of all gifted learners, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and asks educators to demonstrate compassionate understanding of these students and support them in reaching their maximum potential. NAGC ardently condemns any laws, regulations, or guidance that seek to harm, isolate, exclude, or silence LGTBQ+ gifted students and their allies during their continued struggle for acceptance and equality in schools and communities across the country. 

As an organization dedicated to equity for all gifted children, NAGC will continue to work with its members, the GLBTQ Network, leaders, and allies in advocating for the equitable treatment of all LGBTQ+ gifted children.