The Post analysis found that the number of anti-LGBTQ+ school hate crimes serious enough to be reported to local police more than doubled nationwide between 2015-2019 and 2021-2022. In more-liberal states that have not enacted restrictive school LGBTQ+ laws, The Post found that the rise in FBI hate crimes was lower - though the absolute number of crimes was higher. There was also an upsurge in the states without these laws, from about 79 reported hate crimes per year to 140. FBI data indicate the most common crimes associated with reported hate crimes at schools include simple assault, intimidation and vandalism. The upsurge in restrictive laws and in school bullying has left some LGBTQ+ students feeling under attack.

Source: Washington Post March 15, 2024 12:45 UTC