National Organizations Release Legal Guide On Students' Sexual Orientation

National Organizations Release Legal Guide On Students' Sexual Orientation

10/12/2004 2:57:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: Linda Embrey of NSBA, 703-838-6737 or press [at] nsba.org; Web: http://www.nsba.org

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct 12 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A consortium of national organizations, under the leadership of the National School Boards Association (NSBA), has issued a resource document to help school leaders address legal issues surrounding students' sexual orientation and gender identity.

Aimed at school policy makers and administrators, "Dealing with Legal Matters Surrounding Students' Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" provides practical guidance on schools' legal rights and responsibilities with respect to students, school programs, and curriculum. It is intended to answer questions about students' civil rights which regularly arise in public schools.

Using a Q&A format, the publication addresses questions involving student organizations and clubs; dress codes; curriculum and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students; student involvement in school events; and student harassment. Among the questions answered: What are your legal responsibilities as a school leader when it comes to student- sponsored clubs such as a Gay-Straight Alliance? What should you do if you learn students are being harassed because of their sexual orientation? Also included are resources for additional information.

"A good deal of misinformation and concern currently surround lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues in the schools," said Julie Underwood, NSBA general counsel and principal author of the publication. "By providing clear information on schools' legal rights and responsibilities, we want to help educators respond to questions that may arise. Most important, we hope to help improve the educational climate for all students."

The guide's October release is timed to coincide with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month. During this month many issues and questions arise, this document will provide guidance to school leaders.

The other participating organizations are the American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, American School Counselor Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Independent Schools, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association, National Student Assistance Association, School Social Work Association of America, and United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Ministries.

"Dealing with Legal Matters Surrounding Students' Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" is available free online at http://www.nsba.org/cosa/sexualorientation.