Schools in states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation have experienced a notable rise in bullying and hate crimes, according to a Washington Post analysis of FBI data. In states with such laws, reported hate crimes tripled in general, going from 28 to 90 per year on average, and quadrupled in K-12 schools. 

Even without these laws, states still saw an increase in hate crimes, but states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation saw a dramatic enough surge to support the conclusion that the laws create a more hostile environment.   

If you or a loved one are harmed or bullied at school as a consequence of your LGBTQ+ identity, the Lento Law Firm can help. Our Education Law Team helps students nationwide stand up for their rights. Call our firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out our contact form. 

Issues With Reporting 

States without anti-LGBTQ+ laws might have a higher rate of reporting, but that does not mean there's a higher rate of incidents in those states. Instead, it's likely the numbers reflect the fact that those states have supportive policies that encourage reporting and prohibit bullying and discrimination. Meanwhile, states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation have lower reported rates because students feel less empowered to report hate crimes. The crimes still occur; the victims just don't feel like they can come forward. 

Visibility can be a good thing, but in states where students feel more comfortable about their identities, there is still bullying. In fact, there might even be an increase in bullying incidents. There is, however, also the possibility that in states where there is more openness, students feel more empowered to seek help as well.  

Transgender Students Face Great Challenges 

The issues facing transgender students are particularly challenging. Data shows a significant number of transgender adults felt unsafe at school as children (45% vs 10% for cisgender adults). The death of Nex Benedict, who committed suicide in early 2024 after being bullied, showcases the consequences of schools not enacting the right anti-bullying policies and states having anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that makes it harder to provide vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth with the help they need.  

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation into the school district involved in Nex's death for potentially violating anti-discrimination laws and failing to address documented instances of bullying, violence, and harassment. Hopefully, this can help prevent cases like theirs from ever happening again. 

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help 

If you or a loved one is being bullied, feeling unsafe at school, or don't know how to handle a situation related to your LGBTQ+ identity, the Lento Law Firm can assist you with identifying the relevant school policies, state status, and federal laws that apply to your specific situation. They can also prepare you for meetings with school administrators. At the Lento Law Firm, our Education Law Team has helped students nationwide with a wide variety of issues. We can help you protect your rights and feel comfortable with who you are and where you stand. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to book a consultation.