High school, middle school, and college can be difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals in Oklahoma, as they often face higher rates of bullying and harassment compared to their straight peers. The majority of LGBTQ+ students in the US report experiencing harassment and bullying at school. Oklahoma has been in the spotlight in 2024 due to various issues, including the death of a nonbinary high school student, Nex Benedict, and the election of the first nonbinary state legislator in the US, Maureen Turner. However, Oklahoma law is not LGBTQ+ friendly, as the Oklahoma legislature introduced over 50 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the 2024 legislative session alone. LGBTQ+ students in Oklahoma may need legal assistance to protect their rights in school or college. While LGBTQ+ students and parents may find this reality frustrating, numerous resources are available to help address these concerns.
The Lento Law Firm is a Nationwide Student Defense Firm
The Lento Law Firm is a nationwide firm of education attorneys representing Oklahoma 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. For students who face discipline motivated by or related to LGBTQ+ status, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can provide a defense and assert your 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 Oklahoma schools were not safe for most LGBTQ+ secondary school students. Students in Oklahoma school districts report some of the following issues:
- Transgender and nonbinary students report a lack of access to appropriate bathrooms, discipline for” inappropriate” clothing, being prevented from using chosen names or pronouns, and other bullying and harassment.
- LGBTQ+ students in Oklahoma report discipline for public displays of affection, discipline for writing or discussing LGBTQ+ topics in assignments, and some report discipline for simply identifying as LGBTQ+.
- Students report a variety of other discriminatory policies and practices at the schools and a pattern of unfair discipline of LGBTQ+ students.
Common Issues for LGBTQ+ College Students
LGBTQ+ students in Oklahoma's colleges and universities face several challenges, including:
- Harassment and violence on campus.
- Housing issues and discrimination in terms of dormitory housing and other facilities.
- Discipline and punishment for protected speech on identity and rights issues.
Every situation is unique, but if you face issues related to LGBTQ+ status at your college or university, the Lento Law Firm can help.
Curriculum Censorship in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Legislature has considered many bills attempting to limit the teaching of LGBTQ+ issues in public schools in 2023 and 2024. Local school boards also began moving to limit LGBTQ+ references in library or classroom materials. The legality of many of these bills is highly questionable, but there will not be a clear legal landscape for some time. The status of these efforts nationwide illustrates the difficulties with passing these types of laws, and Florida has largely abandoned its “Don't Say Gay” Law as legally unenforceable.
If you face discipline in Oklahoma for discussing LGBTQ+ status and issues, you need an experienced education and Title IX attorney. The Lento Law Firm is available to defend Oklahoma students caught in these efforts to censor classroom speech.
Remedies for LGBTQ+ Harassment and Discrimination in Oklahoma
New Title IX Rules Ban Discrimination of LGBTQ+ Students in Oklahoma
Title IX is a federal law that bans 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 will go into effect in August 2024. Prior to these rules, many courts interpreted Title IX as protecting students against harassment for gender identity and sexual orientation. The new rules explicitly include protections based on gender identity and orientation and place a much greater burden on universities to respond to harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
The new rules also cover more LGBTQ+ students and broaden the definition of harassment. 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 an Oklahoma college or university fails to investigate and remedy a complaint of harassment or bullying based on gender identity or sexual orientation, 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.
Reaction to New Title IX Rules in Oklahoma
Oklahoma students may have heard state political figures announce their intention to fight the new Title IX rules. AG Gentner Drummond has announced his intention to fight the new rules by joining a Kansas lawsuit. Title IX will be a rapidly evolving issue in 2024 and moving forward. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will stay up to date 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.
How an Education Law Attorney Can Help LGBTQ+ Students in Oklahoma
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. Even if the situation has led to discipline for academic, sexual, or other misconduct allegations, the Lento Law Firm can help. Whether you are from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, or elsewhere in Oklahoma, 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.
