School Resource Officer LGBTQ+ Ally Certificate Program

Why Is This Training Important

School Resource Officers (SROs) are uniquely positioned to ensure a safe learning environment, and becoming a visible ally for LGBTQ+ students is critical to fulfilling that mission. LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionate rates of harassment and violence. For instance, GLSEN’s 2021 National School Climate Survey reveals that 83% of LGBTQ+ students experienced harassment or assault based on personal characteristics. Critically, over half of these students never reported the incident, often because they believed staff would not respond effectively. This highlights a profound trust gap that a trained SRO can bridge.

Allyship training is the essential mechanism for building this trust. It moves an officer from passive tolerance to active support, equipping them with the specific vocabulary, cultural competency, and de-escalation skills needed to respond to bias-motivated incidents without re-traumatizing victims. When an SRO uses correct pronouns, understands the nuances of a hate crime investigation, and actively fosters an inclusive atmosphere, they demonstrate a tangible commitment that words alone cannot.

The training offered by this certificate program is a proactive approach transforms the officer’s role from a mere authority figure into a trusted resource. For many LGBTQ+ youth, research from The Trevor Project shows that having even one supportive adult can significantly reduce the risk of suicide. A well-trained SRO ally not only fulfills their duty to protect but also actively contributes to the health, safety, and academic success of all students in their care.

Course Requirements

To earn the School Resource Officer LGBTQ+ Ally Certificate, participants must successfully complete the following courses.

LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement – 4 hours
LGBT Awareness Update For School Resource Officers – 3 hours
Hate Crimes Investigations – 8 hours

Program Fees

Thanks to funding from the Matthew Shepard Foundation and our donors, the cost of this certificate program is only $40. Fees are paid as you go during the LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement course LGBT Awareness Update For School Resource Officers course. Nothing more is due at the time you apply for the program certificate.

How To Enroll

We recommend completing the three required courses in the order listed above starting with LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement. Participants who have already completed an LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement course and or a Hate Crimes Investigations course do not need to repeat these classes. Simply start with the next course you need to complete. Be sure to keep each course completion certificate you earn along the way. These are required to be submitted as part of the application process. The certificate application process can be found at the end of the LGBT Awareness Update For School Resource Officers course.

Enroll In The LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement Course (for agencies outside of California)

For California Law Enforcement

If you are a member of California law enforcement, be sure to select the California P.O.S.T. certified versions of both the LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement and Hate Crimes Investigations Course so you can earn 12 hours of CPT credit.

Enroll In The LGBT Awareness For California Law Enforcement Course