Lambda Legal Applauds Department of Education Announcement Clarifying Title IX Protections for LGBTQ Students

"LGBTQ students are protected against discrimination; it is the law, and there should be no confusion or doubt about it."

(Washington, DC - June 16, 2021) - Today, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Notice of Interpretation clarifying that Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity offered by a recipient of federal funds, protects students from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and made clear it would enforce students' rights.

Lambda Legal Counsel and Students' Rights Strategist Paul Castillo issued the following statement:

"All students deserve an education and learning environment where they can be themselves and be safe. LGBTQ students are protected against discrimination; it is the law, and there should be no confusion or doubt about it. This position is supported by existing federal law and a litany of case law from state and federal courts, including most recently by the U.S. Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County, where the Court stated that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is sex discrimination and therefore prohibited; no ifs ands or buts. OCR is sending a crystal clear message to recipients of federal tax dollars that it is back in business and will enforce the rights of all students to be protected against discrimination and harassment. We look forward to OCR returning to the days where they take their obligation to protect all students, including LGBTQ students, seriously and vigorously enforce the law."

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.