LGBTQ+ students in South Carolina face numerous challenges, which have been made worse by a difficult political climate. Nationwide, 15 percent of 18-24 year-olds identify as LGBTQ+, and over one-third of these young adults live in the deep South. Many LGBTQ+ people attend college or university in South Carolina, while younger LGBTQ+ students attend middle and high school.The South Carolina Legislature has introduced several problematic bills targeting gay, lesbian, and transgender students. Given this environment, it is crucial that students understand LGBTQ+ rights and can assert them with the assistance of legal counsel.
The Lento Law Firm is a Nationwide Student Defense Firm
The Lento Law Firm is a nationwide firm of education attorneys representing students in South Carolina. The Lento Law Firm is experienced in representing students with issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity at their school, college, or university. For students who face discipline motivated by or related to LGBTQ+ status, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can provide a defense and protect your rights to a fair process. For those who face harassment or unfair treatment, the Lento Law Firm can assist you in asserting your rights. Call 888.535.3686 or provide your details online, and we will contact you.
Curriculum Censorship in SC
To state the obvious, South Carolina is not a state protective of LGBTQ+ rights. While good civil rights bills protecting students against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are introduced each year, they have not passed, and protections are minimal.
The South Carolina legislature has considered several bills that would limit the teaching and discussion of LGBTQ+ identity issues. The legal landscape in this area is in flux, and the legality of many of these laws is highly questionable. In 2024, Florida recognized this conflict of laws and has largely abandoned its “Don't Say Gay” Law as legally unenforceable.
If you face discipline in South Carolina for discussing LGBTQ+ status and issues, you need an experienced education and Title IX attorney. The use of discipline against those who advocate and discuss LGBTQ+ issues is discriminatory and unfair. The Lento Law Firm is available to defend any student caught up in these curriculum censorship laws.
Common Issues for LGBTQ+ Students In South Carolina
Students in South Carolina report some of the following issues:
- Verbal slurs and physical assaults.
- Discipline for “inappropriate clothing” or a refusal to recognize and use chosen names and pronouns.
- Discipline for discussing LGBTQ+ topics in assignments and classroom activities.
- A variety of other discriminatory policies and a pattern of unfair discipline of LGBTQ+ students.
- A lack of access to appropriate facilities or bathrooms.
The GLSEN 2021 National School Climate Survey reported that South Carolina schools were not safe for LGBTQ+ students. Most students experienced verbal harassment by peers, and many experienced slurs by school officials or staff. A majority of those who experienced harassment did not report these incidents to often unresponsive school officials, and a considerable number have turned instead to online or hybrid school rather than in-person attendance.
The pattern of unfair treatment of LGBTQ+ students continues into college or university life, where they may face discrimination in housing and facilities, harassment or violence on campus, and discrimination for speaking on LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy.
Every situation is unique, but if you face issues related to LGBTQ+ status at your school, college, or university, the Lento Law Firm can help.
Remedies for LGBTQ+ Violations in South Carolina
While protections under South Carolina law are lacking and trending negatively, LGBTQ+ students also have rights against discrimination under Title IX. Title IX is a federal law that bans discrimination by US schools, colleges, and universities that receive federal funding and applies to nearly all educational entities in the US.
The Biden Administration released new Title IX Rules in 2024, which provide broader protections to LGBTQ+ students and reflect recent Supreme Court law expanding protections under several federal laws to cover discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The 2024 rules explicitly ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ students and provide enhanced protections against harassment. Students may complain of harassment if it limits their ability to fully participate in school or college. If you face discrimination or harassment based on your LGBTQ+ status, call the Lento Law Firm. While the scope of Title IX remains contentious and is rapidly evolving, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are up to date on the latest developments and will vigorously advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Transgender Sports Law in SC
Transgender rights to join sporting teams and activities remains a controversial and rapidly changing area of the law in South Carolina. While the 2024 Title IX rules significantly enhance protections for LGBTQ+ students, they did not include clarification of how Title IX affects transgender athletes. But the US Ct. of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which includes South Carolina, issued a ruling in 2024 that West Virginia's law banning transgender girls from competing on female sports teams violated Title IX. If you face exclusion from college activities based on your LGBTQ+ status, consult the Lento Law Firm to fight and address this unfair treatment.
How An Experienced Education Attorney Can Help LGBTQ+ Students in SC
The Lento Law Firm will listen to your unique situation and advise you of the best way to assert your rights. You may be facing discipline, or you may need to pursue a claim for discrimination or harassment. Even if you have complained and your school or college has failed to investigate or act, the Lento Law Firm can advise you on moving your complaint forward. Whatever your issue, the experienced attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are here to advise and help you achieve the best outcome possible.
Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team
If you are a student or the parent or guardian of a student facing LGBTQ+ issues, the Lento Law Firm can help. We are experienced education attorneys who assist South Carolina students with these issues. Even if you face discipline for academic, sexual, or other misconduct allegations, the Lento Law Firm can help.
Whether you are from Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, or elsewhere in South Carolina, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help you defend yourself and assert your rights. Call 888.535.3686 or provide your details online, and we will contact you.
