The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) recognizes the important impact a safe and positive school climate has on the personal development and academic achievement of all students. Research has shown that schools implementing supportive and positive school climate strategies are more successful in creating environments conducive to learning. As student enrollment becomes increasingly diverse, schools are challenged to assure that all students feel valued and supported. In light of legal mandates and professional standards that promote the use of evidence-based practices to increase positive academic and social-emotional behaviors among students, CEC believes that special educators must acquire and use a knowledge base of effective practices for promoting supportive school climates in ways that support human and civil rights and promote social justice for the diverse student populations in today's schools. Discrimination or harassment directed at students or adults on the basis of ethnic and racial backgrounds, language, age, abilities, family status, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religious and spiritual values, and geographic location violates the human and/or civil rights of individuals who are the targets of such behavior.