BLOOMINGTON - For LGBT students harassed at school, change must start with the adults who supervise student behavior, according to participants at a recent community forum about sexual orientation.

"Professional development is key," said Diane Zosky, a professor with Illinois State University's school of social work. Bullying related to sexual orientation is the second-most common form of bullying behind physical appearance, Zosky said.

The Central Illinois Safe Schools Alliance will offer resources to District 87 and Unit 5 school boards in the coming months to address policy issues and professional development training for all faculty and staff to support LGBT students, said Sarah Schriber of the Illinois ACLU, a forum sponsor.

The participation of Unit 5 Superintendent Gary Neihaus and District 87 Superintendent Robert Nielsen at the forum is a signal of "their commitment to advancing this work in their districts," Schriber said.

After the forum, Neihaus said Unit 5 will continue its work to create a safe environment for LGBT students. "We have to keep our eyes and ears open and continue to keep that dialogue open," he said.

Distirct 87 also is open to the idea of providing professional development for its staff, Nielsen said, adding the goal for students, faculty and staff is fostering mutual respect.

"It's not easily done, and I know we have a way to go to achieve that goal," he said.

Teachers have asked panel members for information on ways they can talk to their students about language that replaces the frequently used discriminatory references to sexual orientation, Schriber said.

Since the forum, a leadership group of four adults and a student has been formed and will make presentations to area school districts. The group will ask school boards to consider improved policies to curb bullying, training of staff members and support for Gay Straight Students Alliance groups.

Schriber also would like to see more public awareness about the protections LGBT residents are guaranteed under federal and state law. The U.S. Constitution, along with federal law and the Illinois Human Rights Act, protects people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, financial transaction, housing and public accommodations, including schools, she said.