Guide to Legal Matters

A consortium of national organizations, with leadership from the National School Boards Association (NSBA), published a resource document to help schools address legal issues surrounding students’ sexual orientation and gender identity in the fall of 2004.

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. Using a Q&A format, it addresses such questions as: 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.

In addition to NSBA, participating organizations are: 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. See the 'Related Documents' folder to the right of this article.

About GLSEN
GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, now in its 10th year, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for ALL students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN’s educational resources, public policy agenda, student organizing programs or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.

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