Middle school, high school, and college can be hard for LGBTQ+ students. The majority of LGBTQ+ students in the US report experiencing harassment and bullying at school. Utah is more protective of student rights than many states, but the majority of LGBTQ+ secondary students report harassment and safety issues. LGBTQ+ students also face a variety of other challenges and unfair treatment, including discipline for identifying and speaking on LGBTQ+ issues. Although this is frustrating, students in Utah have options to fight for their rights and protection.
The Lento Law Firm is a Nationwide Student Defense Firm
The Lento Law Firm is a nationwide firm of experienced education attorneys representing students in Utah. They have extensive experience in representing students dealing with issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity at both 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. For those who face harassment or a hostile environment, 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.
Common Issues for LGBTQ+ Students K-12 in Utah
Students report experiencing the following LGBTQ+ issues in Utah school districts:
- Discipline for identifying as LGBTQ+ in speech, clothing, or by displaying affection.
- Lack of access to gender-neutral bathrooms and other safe and appropriate private spaces.
- Harassment based on LGBTQ+ status, including verbal and physical harassment.
Common Issues for LGBTQ+ College Students in Utah
LGBTQ+ students in Utah's many colleges and universities face several challenges, including:
- A lack of access to safe and appropriate bathrooms, dorm spaces, and other facilities.
- Harassment and assault for LGBTQ+ status without an appropriate and effective response by the university.
- Discipline for speech or behavior on LGBTQ+ issues.
- In some conservative or religious schools in the US, students report discipline and isolation for simply identifying as LGBTQ+.
Every student's situation is unique, and this list does not cover all concerns. Whatever issues you face, the Lento Law Firm can provide guidance and assistance.
Transgender Athlete Issues
The new Title IX rules in 2024 did not include anticipated guidance on transgender issues in sports. The Utah legislature passed a law prohibiting transgender participation in sports in 2022, and the viability of this law is uncertain. Call the Lento Law Firm for information on transgender participation in extracurricular activities and sports.
Remedies for LGBTQ+ Harassment and Discrimination in Utah
Complaining of Discrimination in Utah Schools
The Utah Board of Education has provided a patchwork of policies and guidance that addresses bullying or harassment based on gender identity or sexual orientation. But there is no statewide law that provides these protections. As a result, some school districts provide much more protection than others. Students facing discipline or unfair treatment should contact an experienced education law attorney to ascertain the rights and protections available.
New Title IX Rules Ban Discrimination of LGBTQ+ Students in Utah
Title IX is a federal law that bans discrimination by schools and universities that receive federal funding (the vast majority of schools, colleges, and universities). The Biden Administration released new Title IX Rules in April 2024, which will go into effect in August 2024. The new Title IX rules explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation and expand protections from harassment. The US Department of Education has previously interpreted Title IX to include protections based on gender identity and orientation, but this is stated explicitly in the new rules.
The New Rules Broaden the Definition of Harassment
The new Title IX rules are a welcome advance for LGBTQ+ students nationwide. The updated rules broaden the definition of harassment and hostile work environment and protect more LGBTQ+ students. If you face bullying and harassment based on your LGBTQ+ status, the Title IX process may provide a way to address the situation. The experienced Title IX lawyers at the Lento Law Firm can advise you on whether Title IX covers your issues and how you should proceed.
If you have Title IX issues that arose before August 2024, you should discuss these with an experienced Title IX attorney. The new rules apply for issues arising after August 1, 2024, but some states have already commenced efforts to appeal the new rules. This area of the law will be evolving for some time, so it is vital to call the Lento Law Firm for a consultation if you face issues covered by the rule changes.
Utah Government Reaction to New Title IX Rules
Some US states have announced plans to fight the new Title IX rules in court. Utah has joined four other states in a 2024 lawsuit challenging the new Title IX rules. The Lento Law Firm will follow this rapidly evolving area of the law and can advise students on how best to go forward.
How an Education Law Attorney Can Help LGBTQ+ Students in Utah
An experienced education law attorney can advise Utah students on addressing LGBTQ+ issues of concern in Utah. This area of the law is evolving, and Utah school districts may take very different approaches. Utah students have protections for LGBTQ+ status, but not all Utah school districts or universities will comply. Students enrolled in districts or colleges that fall short of compliance may need help to assert their rights and secure protection. If you are a student or the parent or guardian of a student facing LGBTQ+ issues, the Lento Law Firm is here to advise and assist you. We are experienced education law and Title IX attorneys, and we represent students in Utah. Even if you face discipline and are being forced out, the Lento Law Firm can help.
Whether you are from Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, or elsewhere in Utah, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help you protect yourself and assert your rights. Don't face your school or university alone. Call 888.535.3686 or provide your details online, and we will contact you.
