While schools and colleges across the US are more inclusive and encouraging of diversity than ever before, the reality is that many LGBTQ+ students still face daily harassment, bullying, and discrimination. In Colorado, students have the right to protection from discrimination, but when the school fails in its duties towards you, the Lento Law Firm is here to help.
Are you facing LGBTQ+ issues? Don't delay in calling us – your future is too important. Call now at 888.535.3686 or contact us online.
Common Concerns for LGBTQ+ Students in Colorado
LGBTQ+ students face unique challenges compared with those experienced by their peers. The most common issues Colorado LGBTQ+ students face include the following.
Lack of Mental Health Support
Mental health is a significant concern for LGBTQ+ students. A 2022 survey revealed that, in Colorado, a staggering 45% of LGBTQ+ students have seriously contemplated suicide. And just as worryingly, 60% of LGBTQ+ students seeking mental health support have been unable to get it.
Discrimination
Discrimination creates a stressful environment for any LGBTQ+ student, whether they're in K12 or college. It can happen anywhere – from the classroom to the hallway – and it's often subtle enough to go unreported. Seemingly small issues add up, though, to the point where school becomes a hostile place to spend time. Related issues include:
- Attempts to ban or curtail LGBTQ+ gatherings
- Lack of diversity training
- Unclear or insufficient reporting procedures for bullying, harassment, or discrimination
Bullying and Harassment
From subtle slurs to outright assault, certain behaviors can make LGBTQ+ students live in constant trepidation and fear about attending school. For example, in 2021, 55% of Colorado students admit to experiencing homophobic remarks, and 79% experienced transphobic remarks. LGBTQ+ students may also face repeated questioning about their sexuality or gender identity, physical threats, social exclusion, and day-to-day intimidation from their peers.
Colorado LGBTQ+ Laws and Your Student Rights
Colorado must adhere to federal and state-level LGBTQ+ laws. The most significant federal and state-level protections are the following.
Title IX
Title IX protects students across the US from discrimination based on sex. This means they cannot be treated differently or held to different standards simply due to gender identity.
Religious Exemptions
Certain institutions, such as religious schools, may request a Title IX exemption if accepting LGBTQ+ students infringe upon the tenets of the religion. This is a highly nuanced issue – call us immediately if you're facing a religious exemption challenge at a Colorado school.
Protection from Discrimination
Colorado's anti-discrimination laws make it illegal for institutions – including schools – to discriminate based on sex, gender, or gender identity. This protects students anywhere on campus, including dormitories.
Protection from Bullying
Colorado's anti-bullying laws oblige schools to have policies in place to investigate threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, or other abusive behavior toward LGBTQ+ students.
Gender Identity-Appropriate Facilities
In Colorado, students have a legal right to use restrooms, dormitories, locker rooms, and similar facilities that align with their gender identity. Students may have grounds for complaint if a school or college fails to permit this.
Gay-Straight Alliances
Under the Equal Access Act, students have the right to form student-run and student-initiated groups, which are protected from discrimination. The Colorado Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA) is a network of student-led clubs that promote non-discrimination, anti-bullying, and safe spaces.
Students have the right to join and form such clubs. A school cannot prohibit students from forming a GSA and they cannot hold it to different standards, or treat members differently, from other school clubs.
School Policies
Schools and learning institutions in Colorado are duty-bound to protect students while they're on campus. Should officials know, or ought to know, about bullying, harassment, or other issues threatening an LGBTQ+ student's safety, they're obliged to investigate and resolve the matter. Failing to do so could give the affected student grounds to complain or initiate legal proceedings.
Our lawyers can help affected students understand their school's responsibilities towards them, whether they're in first grade or college freshmen.
How to Handle an LGBTQ+ Issue
It's crucial to act quickly but effectively when facing a possible LGBTQ+ issue at school or college. To ensure the best possible chance of a favorable outcome after contacting our firm, here's what individuals should do to help build and prepare their case.
- Students should write down everything that's happened. Having a record helps to clarify the legal issues. Younger students may feel more comfortable telling their parents, who can write everything down for them.
- Collect any evidence, such as assignments, social media posts, emails, letters, photographs, or school correspondence. An attorney can determine which evidence is most helpful.
- Consider what they would like to happen, i.e., what the ideal resolution is. This could be, for example, ending harassment, a chance to repeat an assignment, or ensuring fair access to facilities.
How the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team Supports LGBTQ+ Students Across Colorado
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can assist LGBTQ+ students in every corner of Colorado. Whether you're in college or a K12 student, we will advocate on your behalf to ensure that your legal rights are respected, and that your institution treats you fairly. Specifically, here's how we can assist if you're facing an LGBTQ+ matter.
- We will evaluate your case and explain your legal rights and options for moving forward. This allows you to make an informed, empowered decision regarding you (or your child's) future.
- Our attorneys will assist in gathering and compiling evidence to build the most persuasive case in your favor.
- We will use our knowledge of the relevant education, anti-discrimination, and LGBTQ+ laws to help you prepare for school meetings, and negotiations with school officials.
- Should it be required, we can advocate on your behalf at more official court hearings.
- We will support and guide you and answer any question you or your family has about this complex area.
Don't waste any more time searching for an attorney. Contact our firm now to discuss your options.
Get the Support You Deserve from the Lento Law Firm
School and college can be hard enough to manage without the added stress of fighting for your basic rights. That's why, at the Lento Law Firm, we're committed to championing LGBTQ+ student rights across Colorado. Whether you're concerned about discrimination, or you're being bullied or harassed, we're here to stand by your side. You need and deserve reliable representation from experienced attorneys – we're only a phone call away.
Don't suffer in silence. Call the Lento Law Firm 24/7 at 888.535.3686 or reach us online to schedule a meeting. Your future – or your child's future – is too precious to leave anything to chance.
