{"id":354792,"date":"2025-01-22T12:50:43","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T17:50:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/lgbtq-law\/discrimination-against-lgbtq-students.html"},"modified":"2026-06-10T12:57:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T17:57:00","slug":"discrimination-against-lgbtq-students","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/discrimination-against-lgbtq-students.html","title":{"rendered":"Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Students<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/balrina-ahluwalia-esq\/\">Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 10, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in schools can take many forms, including bullying and using incorrect names or pronouns. This can impact their mental health and goes against school rules and laws meant to protect students from unfair treatment. It&#8217;s important to take strong steps, including legal actions, to protect students and ensure schools are safe places for everyone to learn and grow without fear of discrimination.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Students in our nation\u2019s schools across the country share many similarities. They have dreams, goals, and interests. They want to learn, make friends, and feel safe at school. However, they sometimes face unique challenges because of who they are.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+<\/span><\/a><span data-term-id=\"59050581\"> students<\/span> are no exception.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/what-is-discrimination.html\">some of the discrimination<\/a> students face at school because of their <span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientation<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span>. We also discuss different ways to find support and the laws and regulations that protect <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> facing <span data-term-id=\"59050580\">harassment<\/span> or discrimination.<\/p>\n<p>State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. For the most up-to-date legal guidance, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/education-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney<\/a> near you. They can explain your options and how current protections apply to you or your child.<\/p>\n<p>But first, let\u2019s clarify a few terms.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does LGBTQ+ Mean?<\/h2>\n<p>LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer\/Questioning. A brief breakdown of each term follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lesbian:<\/strong> Means a woman who\u2019s romantically and\/or sexually attracted to other women<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gay:<\/strong> Refers to a man who\u2019s sexually and\/or romantically attracted to other men, or a general term for same-sex attraction<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bisexual:<\/strong> Describes someone attracted to both men and women or to more than one gender<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transgender:<\/strong> Refers to someone with a <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span> that\u2019s different from the sex they were assigned at birth<\/li>\n<li><strong>Queer:<\/strong> Signifies an umbrella term for sexual\/gender minorities who aren\u2019t heterosexual or <span data-term-id=\"59050591\">cisgender<\/span>, or for those who reject specific labels for gender\/<span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Questioning:<\/strong> Indicates one who\u2019s exploring or unsure about their <span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientation<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The &#8220;+&#8221; represents other <span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientations<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identities<\/span>, like <span data-term-id=\"59050589\">asexual<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"59050586\">intersex<\/span>. But we sometimes see references to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/higher-education\/legal-issues-and-resources-for-lgbt-college-students.html\">LGBT students or LGBTQ rights<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59050577\">Gender identity<\/span> refers to a person\u2019s deeply felt, internal, and individual experience of gender. It\u2019s how someone perceives themselves and what they call themselves in terms of their gender.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For example, transgender people identify with a gender that\u2019s different from their sex at birth.<\/p>\n<p>Other common <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identities<\/span> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-term-id=\"59050591\">Cisgender<\/span>:<\/strong> <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">Gender identity<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/a-to-z-guides\/cisgender-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">matches the <span data-term-id=\"59050605\">sex assigned at birth<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Gender non-conforming:<\/strong> <span data-term-id=\"59050585\">Gender expression<\/span> or identity doesn\u2019t conform to traditional societal expectations<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-term-id=\"59050579\">Non-binary<\/span>:<\/strong> A <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span> that\u2019s not exclusively male or female (a type of gender non-conformity)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are several more, but being LGBTQ+ can mean one or more of these orientations or identities. It also describes recognizing and embracing diverse <span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientations<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identities<\/span>\/expressions beyond traditional heterosexual and <span data-term-id=\"59050591\">cisgender<\/span> norms.<\/p>\n<h2>Discrimination Against <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ Students<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding and respecting diverse orientations and identities is an important part of creating an inclusive society. This starts in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/discrimination-harassment-at-school\/gender-identity-at-school-legal-issues.html\">educational setting<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Still, young people who identify as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/gay-and-lesbian-rights-sexual-orientation-discrimination.html\">LGBTQ+ often experience discrimination<\/a> and anti-LGBTQ+ victimization at school.<\/p>\n<p>It can take many forms:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bullying<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-conduct-and-discipline\/bullying-and-the-law.html\">Teasing, insulting, or physically harming<\/a> <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> because of their orientation or identity<\/li>\n<li><strong>Exclusion<\/strong>: Leaving <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> out of activities, groups, or events because of their orientation or identity<\/li>\n<li><strong>Misgendering<\/strong>: Intentionally using the wrong <span data-term-id=\"59050582\">pronouns<\/span> or names for <span data-term-id=\"59050588\">transgender students<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-term-id=\"59050595\">Dress code<\/span> issues<\/strong>: Schools or school officials requiring <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> to dress in ways that don\u2019t match their <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Bathroom and <span data-term-id=\"59050587\">locker rooms<\/span><\/strong>: Not allowing <span data-term-id=\"59050588\">transgender students<\/span> to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/transgender-people-and-bathroom-access-laws.html\">facilities and <span data-term-id=\"59050583\">restrooms<\/span><\/a> that match their <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Athletics and extracurricular activities<\/strong>: Not allowing <span data-term-id=\"59050588\">transgender students<\/span> to play on <span data-term-id=\"59050604\">sports teams<\/span> that match their <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Unfair discipline<\/strong>: Punishing <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> more harshly than other students for similar actions<\/li>\n<li><strong>Outing<\/strong>: Revealing a student\u2019s LGBTQ+ identity without their permission<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-term-id=\"59050594\">Conversion therapy<\/span><\/strong>: Schools\/counselors encouraging an <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ student<\/span> to modify their <span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientation<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Verbal <span data-term-id=\"59050580\">harassment<\/span><\/strong>: Targeting <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> with things like slurs, threats, or insults about their <span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientation<\/span> or <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The discrimination can be by almost anyone, including school administrators, school officials, school staff, and other students.<\/p>\n<h2>The Impact of Discrimination on <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ Students<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Discrimination in any form can hurt <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span>\u2019 grades, well-being, and overall school experience.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a>, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to face bullying, violence, and mental health issues. This includes higher rates of suicidal behaviors and thoughts.<\/p>\n<p>To counter these problems, the CDC recommends:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Inclusive school policies<\/li>\n<li>Professional development for staff<\/li>\n<li>Support groups like Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Indeed, school policy, state law, and federal law can help create a safe and welcoming environment for all students.<\/p>\n<h2>School Policies<\/h2>\n<p>Many school districts and colleges have adopted policies that prohibit LGBTQ+ discrimination. As a general rule, schools have a legal obligation to adhere to their own policies.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/grievance-procedure.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grievance procedures<\/a> should be available for students to report discrimination and other policy violations. If an <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ student<\/span> files a complaint alleging a policy violation, the school should investigate and address the issue.<\/p>\n<h2>Federal Laws Affecting <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ Students<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are also several laws in the United States that help protect <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> from discrimination. They can include:<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"59050592\">Title IX<\/span> of the Education Amendments of 1972<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/title-ix.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59050592\">Title IX<\/span><\/a> is a federal civil rights law that applies to most public and private schools in this country. It prohibits discrimination based on sex in schools.<\/p>\n<p>Whether <span data-term-id=\"59050592\">Title IX<\/span>\u2019s ban on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/q-a-sex-discrimination-in-education.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59050611\">sex discrimination<\/span><\/a> includes LGBTQ+ discrimination has varied with presidential administrations.<\/p>\n<p>Most recently, a federal district court judge <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-dis-crt-e-d-ken-nor-div-at-cov\/116844509.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ruled in 2025<\/a> that the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s regulations extending <span data-term-id=\"59050592\">Title IX<\/span> protections to LGBTQ+ discrimination were invalid.<\/p>\n<h3>Equal Access Act<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-20-education\/20-usc-sect-4071.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">This federal civil rights law<\/a> says that if a public high school allows any extracurricular student groups, it must allow all types of student groups.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, these schools can\u2019t deny high school student groups equal access because of their political, philosophical, or other viewpoints. This protects <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ student<\/span> clubs like GSAs at these schools.<\/p>\n<h3>Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/studentprivacy.ed.gov\/ferpa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act<\/a> (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student records. FERPA gives parents certain rights relating to their children\u2019s records. These rights transfer to transgender people when they turn 18.<\/p>\n<p>Under FERPA, students can request corrections to records that are inaccurate or misleading. This can include updating a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/how-to-change-your-name-and-gender-marker-if-you-are-under-18.html\">student\u2019s name or gender marker<\/a>, depending on school policy and documentation requirements.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"59050610\">First Amendment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While we usually think of the <span data-term-id=\"59050610\">First Amendment<\/span> to the Constitution as protecting speech or religion, it also protects <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/what-is-symbolic-speech-under-the-first-amendment-.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">expression<\/a>. And as the <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/393\/503.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Supreme Court famously clarified in 1969<\/a>, students don\u2019t forfeit these rights at the schoolhouse doors or on campus.<\/p>\n<p>In this context, the <span data-term-id=\"59050610\">First Amendment<\/span> protects\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/free-speech-rights-of-students.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59050584\">public school<\/span> students\u2019 right to express<\/a>\u00a0their LGBTQ+ identity through clothing or speech. However, schools can restrict speech or expression that disrupts school operations.<\/p>\n<h3>Fourteenth Amendment<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">This amendment<\/a> protects fundamental rights and requires equal treatment of people under the law. Courts have used it to rule against discrimination against <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> at <span data-term-id=\"59050584\">public schools<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>State and Local Laws Affecting <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ Students<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many states and municipalities have their own laws or policies that specifically protect <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> from <span data-term-id=\"59050599\">discrimination in schools<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the <a href=\"https:\/\/ohr.dc.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/dc\/sites\/ohr\/publication\/attachments\/protectedcategories_111319.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">District of Columbia Human Rights Act<\/a> bans discrimination based on <span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientation<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span> in all schools. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/site\/eepc\/laws\/state-laws.page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New York State Human Rights Law<\/a> has a similar ban on LGBTQ+ discrimination in the state\u2019s public and non-religious private schools.<\/p>\n<p>However, other states have passed laws that push back on LGBTQ+ rights. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<h3>Florida<\/h3>\n<p>Florida\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=1000-1099\/1006\/Sections\/1006.205.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fairness in Women\u2019s Sports Act<\/a> prohibits transgender girls\/women from participating on female <span data-term-id=\"59050604\">sports teams<\/span> at <span data-term-id=\"59050584\">public schools<\/span> and colleges.<\/p>\n<h3>Texas<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/capitol.texas.gov\/tlodocs\/873\/billtext\/pdf\/HB00025I.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas House Bill 25<\/a> requires K-12 <span data-term-id=\"59050584\">public school<\/span> student-athletes, including transgender youth, to participate on <span data-term-id=\"59050604\">sports teams<\/span> corresponding with their <span data-term-id=\"59050605\">sex assigned at birth<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>California: Additional Protections for LGBTQ+ Students<\/h3>\n<p>Conversely, California\u2019s <a title=\"The full text of Assembly Bill 537, the California Student Safety and Violence Protection Act\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/re\/lr\/sv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Student Safety and Violence Protection Act of 2000<\/a>\u00a0is a state law that protects students not covered by\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"59050592\">Title IX<\/span>. Prior to the enactment of this law, the\u00a0California Education Code\u00a0specifically prohibited discrimination and <span data-term-id=\"59050580\">harassment<\/span> on the basis of sex, ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, color, or disability. The new law extended protection to cover <span data-term-id=\"59050578\">sexual orientation<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"59050577\">gender identity<\/span>.<br \/><br class=\"ProseMirror-trailingBreak\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Even the laws that can protect members of the LGBTQ+ community aren\u2019t perfectly enforced. Students may not <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/higher-education\/legal-issues-and-resources-for-lgbt-college-students.html\">know their rights<\/a>, and schools may not follow the laws correctly.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why it\u2019s critical for students, parents, and allies to know these laws and speak up for their rights.<\/p>\n<h2>School Consequences for LGBTQ+ Discrimination<\/h2>\n<p>If discrimination against <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> occurs in the educational setting, several things can happen.<\/p>\n<h3>Loss of Funding<\/h3>\n<p>Schools that violate state or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/understanding-education-discrimination.html\">federal <span data-term-id=\"59050609\">anti-discrimination laws<\/span><\/a> risk losing their funding. Government agencies can enforce compliance with state and federal laws by withholding funds until the school corrects the problem.<\/p>\n<h3>Reputational Damage<\/h3>\n<p>Schools that fail to protect <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> may also suffer reputational damage. This can impact student enrollment, community support, and overall trust in the institution.<\/p>\n<h3>Impact on Students<\/h3>\n<p>Violations of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/sample-anti-discrimination-and-harassment-policies.html\">anti-discrimination policies<\/a> or laws can have severe emotional and psychological impacts on all students. This may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased absenteeism<\/li>\n<li>Lower academic performance<\/li>\n<li>Mental health issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With much to lose, schools generally seek to create a safe and supportive student environment that\u2019s free from discrimination.<\/p>\n<p>Still, it can occur.<\/p>\n<h2>Is Legal Action an Option?<\/h2>\n<p>Discrimination of <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> in violation of school policy or applicable law may also be actionable in court. In addition to grievance procedures, students and their families can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/hiring-an-attorney-in-the-lgbtq-community.html\">pursue legal action<\/a> against the school.<\/p>\n<p>This could involve taking the matter to court or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ed.gov\/sites\/ed\/files\/about\/offices\/list\/ocr\/complaintform.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">filing a complaint<\/a> with the state and\/or federal departments of education.<\/p>\n<p>Schools found in violation of <span data-term-id=\"59050609\">anti-discrimination laws<\/span> or policies can face legal penalties and be required to take corrective action to fix the problems.<\/p>\n<h2>Ways To Stop LGBTQ+ <span data-term-id=\"59050599\">Discrimination in Schools<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re an <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ student<\/span> experiencing discrimination at school, there are several things you can do.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"59050598\">Gay-Straight Alliances<\/span> (GSA)<\/h3>\n<p>Find out if your school has LGBTQ+ support groups or GSAs (also known as <span data-term-id=\"59050598\">gay-straight alliances<\/span>). Many schools have <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ student<\/span> organizations that can provide community and advocacy.<\/p>\n<p>This type of environment might provide you with some much-needed support at a difficult time. You may also find that other students at your school have experienced similar issues.<\/p>\n<h3>Resources for <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ Students<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glsen.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)<\/a>. It\u2019s a national organization that aims to create safe school environments for <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span>. The Student Resources page has information about various initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aclu.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)<\/a> also provides resources to help <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span>. Its LGBTQ Project promotes safe school climates. It can help <span data-term-id=\"59050581\">LGBTQ+ students<\/span> express themselves, start GSAs, and have their orientation\/identity respected.<\/p>\n<h3>Filing a Written Complaint<\/h3>\n<p>If you are the victim of discrimination or <span data-term-id=\"59050580\">harassment<\/span>, filing a written complaint that includes details about the incident, participants, and witnesses is generally the starting point.<\/p>\n<p>A complaint should be filed with the school, and a record of statements or actions taken in response should be kept. Depending on whether your school is subject to federal or state <span data-term-id=\"59050609\">anti-discrimination laws<\/span>, you may also file a complaint with the\u00a0<a title=\"The US Department of Civil Rights&#039;s Website with links to their Electronic Complaint Form\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ed.gov\/laws-and-policy\/civil-rights-laws\/file-complaint\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Office for Civil Rights<\/a>\u00a0or your state\u2019s Department of Education.<\/p>\n<h2>Know Your Rights and Your School\u2019s Responsibilities<\/h2>\n<p>To address the discrimination you\u2019re experiencing, you must ultimately understand your rights and the school\u2019s obligations to you.<\/p>\n<p>These will depend heavily on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>School policy<\/li>\n<li>State\/local law<\/li>\n<li>Current <span data-term-id=\"59050592\">Title IX<\/span> interpretation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The legal landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ matters is complex and dynamic. Accordingly, it can be tricky to navigate, and it\u2019s often a good idea to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/hiring-an-attorney-in-the-lgbtq-community.html\">seek help<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Advice: How an Attorney Can Help<\/h2>\n<p>You may want to speak with a qualified <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-rights\/statutory-sources-of-protection-for-students.html\">civil rights<\/a> attorney to best understand your options. Confidentially sharing the specifics of your experience allows them to identify relevant laws and apply them to your situation. They\u2019ll typically offer you a few different ways to proceed.<\/p>\n<p>This should eliminate the confusion so you can make informed choices about the best course of action for you.<\/p>\n<p>Select a civil rights lawyer experienced with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/discrimination-in-education-federal-laws.html\">discrimination in education<\/a> and licensed in your school\u2019s state.<\/p>\n<p>This may sound like a needle in a haystack, but it doesn\u2019t have to be.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/civil-rights\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FindLaw\u2019s directory of civil rights attorneys<\/a> can help get you on your way. Just click on the state where your school is located. This will take you straight to contact information for local attorneys who can assist. You can also narrow your search to attorneys in your city.<\/p>\n<p>A compassionate advocate can be your most important ally on this journey.\u00a0It\u2019s important to find someone you\u2019re comfortable with, who is ready to help you fight for your <span data-term-id=\"59050596\">legal rights<\/span>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n        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class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n              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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n                        \n\n<div class=\"generalCardContainer\">\n            \n<div\n    class=\"fl-image-card fl-image-card--no-max-width fl-image-card--no-min-height fl-card-with-children fl-latl-card fl-image-card-title-on-image fl-flex fl-flex-column\"\n>\n                    <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law.html\">\n\n            <div class=\"fl-image-card-image-wrapper fl-image-card-image-wrapper-default\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n                     src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1751970029\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/content-original-images-GettyImages-1326320269\/content-original-images-GettyImages-1326320269.jpg?_i=AA\"\n                     alt=\"\"\n                ><\/img>\n                                    <span class=\"fl-eyebrow fl-image-card-eyebrow\">Helpful Legal Resources<\/span>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-image-card-content fl-flex-basis-100\">\n                    <h2>Visit Our LGBTQ+ Hub<\/h2>\n<p>Up-to-date legal information focused on&nbsp;<i>your<\/i>&nbsp;rights.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law.html\">Read more &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/discrimination-harassment-at-school\/title-ix-protections-for-transgender-students.html\">\n                        Title IX Protections for Transgender Students\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/transgender-people-and-bathroom-access-laws.html\">\n                        Transgender People and Bathroom Access Laws\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/housing-discrimination-protections-for-lgbtq-renters.html\">\n                        Housing Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ+ Renters\n                    <\/a>\n                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Learn about legal protections on Findlaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":354790,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned","External Links"]},"categories":[2750],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-354792","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-lgbtq-law"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/354792","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=354792"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/354792\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":400909,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/354792\/revisions\/400909"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/354790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=354792"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=354792"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=354792"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=354792"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=354792"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}