GLSEN, the nonprofit dedicated to safe schools for LGBTQ students, has laid off 60% of its workforce due to financial pressures and right-wing attacks. Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers confirmed that 18 employees were let go in a restructuring move aimed at ensuring GLSEN’s survival. The layoffs affected all departments.
The cuts came just a day before the Human Rights Campaign also announced layoffs, highlighting financial strains on LGBTQ advocacy groups. Since 2022, GLSEN has faced far-right misinformation campaigns and funding losses as corporate donors retreat from DEI commitments. Despite the setbacks, GLSEN says it plans to streamline its work and relaunch in mid-2025.
