LGBTQ+ students often face a difficult time in high school and college due to discrimination and harassment. Students in Mississippi face a particularly difficult environment. While a majority of LGBTQ+ students in the US report experiencing harassment and bullying at school, the situation is particularly concerning in Mississippi. Mississippi has passed numerous laws limiting LGBTQ+ rights and protections in the state, most recently targeting transgender students. Less than 1 in 10 Mississippi students report positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ people in the school curriculum or access to a Genders & Sexualities Alliances chapter. Gay and transgender students often find themselves singled out for discipline and unfair treatment. This is where the Lento Law Firm can help.
The Lento Law Firm is a Nationwide Student Defense Firm
The Lento Law Firm is a nationwide firm of education attorneys representing Mississippi students. The Lento Law Firm is experienced with issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity at the secondary school level and in college or university. If LGBTQ+ students face charges or discipline due to their status, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can provide a vigorous defense to protect their rights to a fair process. Call 888.535.3686 or provide your details online, and we will contact you.
Common Issues for LGBTQ+ Students K-12
The GLSEN 2021 National School Climate Survey reported that most Mississippi students faced anti-LGBTQ+ victimization at school. Students in Mississippi school districts report some of the following issues:
- Transgender students report being disciplined or prevented from using the appropriate bathroom, wearing appropriate clothing, using chosen names or pronouns, and other bullying and harassment.
- LGBTQ+ students in Mississippi face discipline for public displays of affection, speaking or writing about LGBTQ+ topics in assignments, or simply identifying in any way as LGBTQ+.
- Mississippi students report other discriminatory policies and practices at the schools and a pattern of harassment and groundless discipline of LGBTQ+ students.
Common Issues for LGBTQ+ College Students
LGBTQ+ students in Mississippi colleges and universities face challenges on campus, including:
- Harassment and violence.
- Housing discrimination in dorm placement and refusal of accommodation.
- Discrimination in other campus facilities.
- Discipline for speaking or writing on LGBTQ+ issues or concerns.
Because each student's experience is unique, seeking advice and counsel is important. Call the Lento Law Firm today for advice concerning your situation.
Mississippi State Law Does Not Provide Protection
Mississippi state law does not protect students from discrimination or harassment based on gender identity or sexual orientation. While protections don't exist under Mississippi law, students may be protected under federal law.
New Title IX Rules Ban Discrimination of LGBTQ+ Students in Mississippi
Title IX is a federal law prohibiting sex discrimination by US colleges and universities that receive federal funding and applies to most US colleges and universities. The Biden Administration released new Title IX Rules in April 2024, which go into effect in August 2024. These new rules explicitly protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and harassment based on gender identity and orientation. If these new rules stay in effect, universities will be forced to respond and act against unfair treatment and harassment and place a much greater burden on universities to respond to harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
The new Title IX rules are broader than previous rules and cover more LGBTQ+ students, but it is in the area of harassment that the rules make the biggest changes. These rules will be challenged, but if you have faced bullying and harassment based on your LGBTQ+ status, the Title IX process may provide a remedy. The Lento Law Firm are experienced Title IX lawyers who can advise you on the changing landscape.
Title IX Requires Prompt Investigation and Remedial Action
If a Mississippi college or university fails to investigate and remedy a complaint of discrimination, it is violating Title IX. Colleges and universities must investigate and take all complaints, and if they fail to take effective action to stop discrimination against LGBTQ+ students, they violate Title IX.
Legal Challenges to New Title IX Rules in Mississippi
Mississippi joined Louisiana, Idaho, and Montana in federal court to challenge the new Title IX rules. In June 2024, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of the new rules in Mississippi. Challenges to the new rules will take some time to proceed in the federal court system.
Title IX will be a rapidly evolving issue in 2024 and moving forward. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will stay current with state positions and lawsuits and is ready to represent students on Title IX issues. Whether under the old or new rules, LGBTQ+ students have options. Talk to the experienced attorneys at the Lento Law Firm on Title IX issues today.
The Bosworth Decision
New Title IX rules incorporate a 2020 ruling of the US Supreme Court in Bosworth v. Clayton County. In that case, the Court foundthat sex discrimination includes bias based on gender identity or sexual orientation in the employment setting. Legal scholars expected this ruling to be extended to Title IX and other federal laws. While predicting future rulings is impossible, the Bosworth case provides a good legal basis to support the new Title IX rules.
How an Education Law Attorney Can Help LGBTQ+ Students in Mississippi
If you are a student facing LGBTQ+ issues, the Lento Law Firm can help. The Lento Law Firm is an experienced team of education attorneys who can advise and assist LGBTQ+ students. If you face discipline arising out of your gender identity or sexual orientation or other discipline for academic, sexual, or other misconduct allegations, the Lento Law Firm can defend you. Whether you are from Jackson, Hattiesburg, Oxford, or elsewhere in Mississippi, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help protect your access to a good education and assert your rights. Call 888.535.3686 or provide your details online, and we will contact you.
