Nevada Passes New Law Supporting LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum

The Nevada state legislature has passed Assembly Bill (AB) 261, which creates inclusive curricular standards for K-12 education. This law will require Nevada’s education agencies to ensure students are instructed on the history and contributions to the arts, humanities, and sciences of LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as folks who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, and religious minorities. Following this news, GLSEN Interim Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers released the following statement:

"This year, we’ve seen record numbers of harmful anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country. But Nevada’s new law offers a powerful contrast and shows us that a better way is not only possible, but already in motion. At GLSEN, we’ve been honored to partner with local advocates like the Transgender Allies Group and Silver State Equality as well as the bill’s primary sponsor, Assemblywoman Natha Anderson, to accomplish this victory. We’ve testified in support of the bill in the state’s Assembly and Senate, and we commend the legislators who took action to bring Nevada school standards in line with values of inclusion, representation and respect."

“GLSEN research shows that only 15% of LGBTQ students in Nevada have access to LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum. So many more LGBTQ+ students will now have a chance to see their communities recognized in school, which contributes to a supportive environment that promotes positive education outcomes. When young people have the opportunity to learn about the history and the contributions of marginalized communities, all young people can be affirmed in our society. All students in Nevada will benefit from inclusive standards that can be implemented in schools and this law brings us one step closer to building an education system where all students can thrive. I hope that lawmakers and school leaders across the country follow Nevada’s lead and take swift action to invest in LGBTQ+ students’ well-being.”

About GLSEN
GLSEN works to create safe and inclusive schools for all. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ students across the United States and helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQ+ issues in education.