; and (2) the introduction of at least 55 bills in 22 States since the beginning of the 2024 legislative session that prohibit or create barriers to the social affirmation of transgender and nonbinary students in schools, such as using a student's chosen name and pronouns, regardless of the risk to the student’s safety, health, and well-being; Whereas 85 percent of transgender and nonbinary young people say that recent debates prompted by State legislation restricting the rights of transgender individuals have negatively impacted their mental health; Whereas data provided by the Department of Justice show that reported anti-LGBTQ hate crimes in schools have increased from 145 reported incidents in 2019 to 251 reported incidents in 2022; Whereas every young person must have equal educational opportunity and freedom from the fear that their basic civil and educational rights will be taken away from them; Whereas young people who develop in positive school climates, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination, report greater physical and psychological safety, greater mental well-being, and improved educational and life outcomes; Whereas positive school transformation must recognize that safety is too low of a bar and that all communities deserve to be acknowledged and affirmed in schools; Whereas students and families, educators, and community members in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, and in all States and territories are advocating for safe and inclusive learning environments that affirm LGBTQI+ young people, particularly those who are transgender, nonbinary, intersex, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and people with disabilities; Whereas affirming policies such as enumerated antibullying protections, gender neutral dress code guidelines, and inclusive learning practices are proven strategies to address hostile learning environments for all students