House Introduces Bill To Protect LGBT Students Against Discrimination

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.”