House Introduces Bill To Protect LGBT Students Against Discrimination

January 27, 2010 12:00 am

Media Contact
125 Broad Street
18th Floor
New York, NY 10004
United States

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org

WASHINGTON – A bill was introduced today in the House by Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) that would, as Title IX did for girls and women, offer remedies for discrimination “based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity” in public elementary and secondary schools. The Student Non-Discrimination Act will help to end entrenched biases towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in our education system. The American Civil Liberties Union strongly supports the bill and urges swift action by the House.

The following can be attributed to Christopher Anders, ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel:

“This landmark bill is long overdue. Many LGBT students face harassment, discrimination and sometimes violence in our schools. Our public schools should not be places of exclusion, but places where students feel safe and free from discrimination. The Student Non-Discrimination Act will go a long way toward protecting LGBT students and will help promote a better learning environment. We urge the House to take swift action on this bill.”

Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.

Learn More About the Issues in This Press Release