Schools and colleges often fail to provide adequate support for their LGBTQ+ students. As a result, these students face bullying, harassment, and discrimination, negatively impacting their education and making school unbearable. This issue is prevalent in both K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Schools overlook these struggles 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 must deal with mistreatment from peers, teachers, or staff on their own.
At the Lento Law Firm, we're dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students of all ages. Our Education Law Team, serving Louisiana and the entire nation, is ready to provide the legal guidance needed to protect your rights. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 888-535-3686 or through our contact form.
Which Problems Do LGBTQ+ Students Have to Face?
LGBTQ+ students make up less than 25 percent of the student population in high schools and colleges, but they face more bullying, harassment, and discrimination than their peers. Some of the most common issues these students encounter include:
- In-person and online harassment
- Sexual assault
- Discrimination from school staff
- Derogatory comments about 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 targeting LGBTQ+ students
- 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.
Repeated Harassment Can Lead to a Hostile Environment
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 a sense of discomfort that makes attending school challenging. In such a hostile environment, whether in elementary, middle, high school, or college, these students struggle to keep up with their academic work and maintain satisfactory grades.
Many students facing harassment are too scared to seek help, fearing the potential consequences of 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.
The Rights of LGBTQ+ Students in Louisiana
As a student attending a public school or university in Louisiana, you have specific civil rights. If you identify as LGBTQ+, you belong to 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 be aware of the laws and regulations that protect 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. Title IX prohibits educational institutions from denying access to courses, participation in school-related events, or discriminating based on LGBTQ+ status. Colleges and universities that receive federal funding are required to have a Title IX office or a Title IX coordinator that students can contact for assistance.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statements
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements are becoming more prevalent in both higher education and K-12 schools. These statements outline the school's policies concerning the rights of all students, covering factors such as race, national origin, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. DEI policies are crucial 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.
Louisiana State Law
Louisiana has a school anti-bullying law, although it doesn't mention protected classes (such as sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation) or defines bullying on the basis of protected classes. Nonetheless, you may be able to take action against your school using the state's anti-bullying law.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can identify relevant state and federal legislation once we know more about your case. Our team is familiar with civil rights legislation in Louisiana and ready to defend your right to a harassment-free education.
How an Education Law Team Attorney Can Help You Defend Your Rights
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 tackle these challenges with caution and a systematic plan. Understanding the federal and state laws that protect your rights as a student is crucial for addressing 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, you can focus on what truly matters: your education.
Contact the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team Today
Our Education Law Team is here to help 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 so we can discuss your case with you.
