Virginia Uribe was a high school teacher and counselor, and a leader in the movement to improve the lives of gay and lesbian youth. In 1984, she founded California’s Project 10, the first school-based dropout prevention program for students facing sexual orientation discrimination and harassment.
NEA presents the Virginia Uribe Award for Creative Leadership in Human Rights to a nominee whose activities in human rights significantly impact education and the achievement of equal opportunity for those facing discrimination due to their sexual orientation. To be eligible for this award, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Promote appreciation for diversity with regard to sexual orientation.
- Work to eliminate discriminatory or abusive behavior toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) groups and individuals.
- Help schools develop programs that enhance the education of LGBTQ students and that teach other students to refrain from activities such as bullying, stereotyping, and fighting.
- Demonstrate leadership and creativity in improving conditions and opportunities for LGBTQ individuals.
- Champion policies and/or legislation that improve conditions and opportunities for LGBTQ individuals.
Awarded in odd- and even-numbered years.
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