Preventing verbal harassment and violence toward gay and lesbian students

School nurses (as well as other school personnel) have a role and a responsibility to help prevent verbal harassment and violence toward gay and lesbian students. The literature about verbal harassment and violence toward students in schools is scant, and there is even less written about the school nurse's role in addressing such concerns. This article points out the potential role of school nurses in addressing this issue if they will put aside personal biases and get involved in, or initiate, homophobia awareness programs and advocate for gay and lesbian students.