Schools and colleges frequently fail to provide adequate support for their LGBTQ+ students. These students face bullying, harassment, and discrimination, which negatively impacts their education and makes attending school unbearable. Both K-12 schools and higher education institutions struggle to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ students. They overlook the challenges these students face and implement policies that hinder rather than help LGBTQ+ students.
If you're an LGBTQ+ college student or a parent of an LGBTQ+ student in K-12 education, you might have already encountered discrimination at school. Without the necessary support, LGBTQ+ students are left to deal with mistreatment from peers, teachers, or staff on their own.
At the Lento Law Firm, we are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ students of all ages. Our Education Law Team, serving Iowa and the entire nation, is ready to provide the legal guidance to protect your rights. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 888-535-3686 or through our contact form.
The Most Common Problems LGBTQ+ Students Face
LGBTQ+ students comprise less than 25 percent of the student population in high schools and colleges, yet they experience more bullying, harassment, and discrimination than their peers. Common issues these students face include:
- In-person and online harassment
- Sexual assault
- Discrimination from school staff
- Derogatory comments about their identity
- Inadequate facilities, such as locker rooms or restrooms
- Denial of using a name or gender that aligns with their identity on official school records
- A decreased sense of empowerment in education
- Unwanted physical advances
- The spread of false information on social media
- Unfair policies
- Exclusion from co-curricular or extracurricular activities
- Restrictions on holding protests and using meeting spaces for LGBTQ+ student groups
- Lack of support from the school administration
- Insufficient training for faculty and staff
These challenges can significantly impact the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ students, potentially leading to depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety, eating disorders, and an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviors.
Harassment and Hostile Environments
When a student is consistently mistreated, making it difficult for them to participate in school activities or classes, it creates what's known as a "hostile environment." LGBTQ+ students often endure severe bullying and harassment, resulting in discomfort that makes attending school challenging. Students in a hostile environment, whether in elementary, middle, high school, or college, struggle to keep up with their academic work and maintain satisfactory grades.
Many students facing harassment are too scared to seek help, fearing potential consequences for reporting incidents of bullying or discrimination. The mistreatment isn't limited to their peers—a significant number of LGBTQ+ students also face harassment from school staff. When bullying and discrimination come from faculty members, students are even less likely to speak up, assuming their complaints will be ignored and choosing to suffer in silence instead.
Iowa LGBTQ+ Students Have Rights
As a student attending a public school or university in Iowa, you have specific civil rights. If you identify as LGBTQ+, you are part of a protected class, and mistreatment based on your identity can be considered illegal discrimination. Whether you're an LGBTQ+ student or the parent of one, it's important to understand the laws and regulations that safeguard your rights.
Title IX
Title IX is a federal law that ensures fair treatment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender expression. It applies to primary, secondary, and higher education institutions that accept funding from the federal government. Title IX prohibits educational institutions from denying access to courses, participation in school-related events, or discriminating based on LGBTQ+ status. Colleges and universities are also required to have a Title IX office or a Title IX coordinator available for students to contact for assistance.
DEI Policies
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements are becoming more common in both higher education and K-12 schools. These statements outline the school's policies regarding the rights of all students, promoting equal treatment for all students no matter their race, national origin, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. DEI policies are essential for promoting fair treatment and are typically developed by school boards or individual schools. When filing a complaint, referencing your school's DEI statement can strengthen your case for equal treatment.
Iowa State Law
Iowa has a statewide anti-bullying law that protects LGBTQ+ students. Bullying is any mistreatment toward a student “which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student.” The law defines a trait or characteristic as “age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.”
School districts must put policies in place to prohibit bullying and investigate allegations of bullying and harassment as well.
How Can an Education Lawyer Help?
As an LGBTQ+ student facing bullying and harassment, you may often feel overwhelmed and frustrated at school. However, you don't have to deal with it alone. Our team can help you address these challenges with a cautious and systematic approach. Understanding the federal and state laws that protect your rights as a student is crucial for combating discrimination. Asking school officials for equal treatment can be intimidating, especially if you're not familiar with your state's civil rights laws. Our team will be by your side every step of the way.
At the Lento Law Firm, we recognize the unique challenges LGBTQ+ students face and are here to assist you. Our team of Education Law attorneys can provide the necessary support to address issues at your school. We offer guidance in navigating administrative or legal procedures and help identify relevant school policies and laws. Additionally, we prepare you for discussions with school officials. By entrusting us with your case, we can focus on the legal aspects, and you can focus on your education.
Contact the Lento Law Firm to Defend Your Rights at School
Our Education Law Team is dedicated to helping you secure your right to a harassment-free education. You deserve equal treatment at school. Call us at 888-535-3686 or share your information through our online form, and we will discuss your case with you.LGBTQ+ Issues in Iowa
