Increased LGBTQ+ Diversity Is Linked to Increased School Victimization and Poorer Associated Academic and Mental Health Outcomes

Using data from 95 middle and high schools in Uruguay, we exploit plausibly exogenous variation in the share of LGBTQ+ students across classrooms and estimate its relationship with school climate as well as students’ academic performance and mental health. Increased representation of LGBTQ+ students in the classroom is linked to a greater prevalence of overall violence in schools, a 10% increase in the share of LGBTQ+ students in a class is associated with a 0.73% increase in the probability that a student experiences violence. These effects are stronger among LGBTQ+ and female students. Increased classroom diversity is also associated with a higher probability of being a bully, a heightened perception of a hostile school environment, an increased prevalence of depression, a greater likelihood of absenteeism, and lower grade progression rates among students.