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School Resources | Youth | Vermont

Schools are meant to be student-centered places where young people are safe and can learn what they need to succeed in life. Yet, extremist politicians and well-funded national groups are trying to make public schools and school libraries a site of attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, and families. 

Youth in Vermont public schools still have rights, and our schools have a responsibility to ensure all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are safe, supported, and able to learn. GLAD and our partners are sharing these resources on your rights as a student, parent, and educator.

Find national resources and organizations here.

Vermont Resources

Know Your Rights

Nondiscrimination: Vermont General Laws prohibit discrimination in educational programs, opportunities and other matters based on gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and perceived sexual orientation in Vermont public schools. You can read more under 9 V.S.A. § 4501 and 9 V.S.A. § 4502.  Together, these define schools as places of public accommodation and forbid discrimination. 

Anti-Bullying: Vermont has strong anti-bullying laws. It has strict requirements that schools must follow to protect students from a wide variety of bullying, be it physical, verbal, or online.  

Guidance for Schools: The State of Vermont Agency of Education issued guidance in 2016 with best practices for schools regarding transgender and gender non-conforming students. Learn more about this guidance here.

Learn more about youth rights in Vermont on the following Know Your Rights pages:

What to do if you or your child is experiencing bullying, discrimination, or mistreatment in school

If you as a student or your child is experiencing bullying because of an LGBTQ+ status or a perceived LGBTQ+ status, you can take steps under the directive of the Vermont State Agency of Education state and federal law to remedy the situation. And you can pursue both avenues at the same time. 

Vermont Anti-Bullying & Harassment Protections 

First, it is important to understand what Vermont considers bullying or harassment. Vermont defines bullying and harassment as the following: 

Vermont anti-bullying laws and regulations include the following definitions of bullying and harassment: 

“Bullying” means any overt act or combination of acts, including an act conducted by electronic means, directed against a student by another student or group of students and that: 

  1. is repeated over time; 
  2. is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and 
    • occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus or at a school-sponsored activity; or 
    • does not occur during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity and can be shown to pose a clear and substantial interference with another student’s right to access educational programs. 

“Harassment” means an incident or incidents of verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct, including any incident conducted by electronic means, based on or motivated by a student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability that has the purpose or effect of objectively and substantially undermining and detracting from or interfering with a student’s educational performance or access to school resources or creating an objectively intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. 

Read more about Vermont law and an FAQ about it here. 

Second, consider whether you want to take action under the school’s anti-bullying or harassment policies, which should be available on the school website. If so, follow the steps from the school’s policies and keep copies/screenshots of emails and texts, as well as take notes of conversations with school staff, to show that you have done what you are supposed to and that the school is on notice of your concerns.

If the school is not investigating the bullying, press them to do so. Vermont school districts are expected to “address all complaints of harassment, hazing and bullying” as seen in their Model Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students 

Vermont schools (public, independent and postsecondary) deal with cases of discrimination separately from those of bullying and harassment. They are considered places of public accommodation (9 V.S.A. § 4501), and therefore they may not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in their accommodations, advantages, facilities or privileges (9 V.S.A. § 4502).  If they do so, this can give rise to a discrimination complaint to be filed with the Vermont Human Rights Commission.

 If you are dealing with a discrimination case, you may choose to file a discrimination complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission. Find out more.

US Harassment & Discrimination Protections for Students 

Federal law is also a tool for addressing bullying and harassment.  When these behaviors are ignored or inadequately addressed, this may add up to discrimination or the denial of education opportunities based on sexual orientation or gender identity, among other characteristics.  

You can raise concerns about your or your child’s experience of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, or other discrimination by contacting contact the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in Boston to file a complaint. The OCR has the authority to investigate a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Note that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are aspects of “sex” discrimination.  

Contact the Office of Civil Rights. 

Harassment and bullying because of a person’s LGBTQ+ identities may also constitute sex discrimination under Title IX protections. Read more about the US Department of Education’s updated guidance on Title IX.  

If you have questions about the specific situation you are experiencing or questions that have not been answered above, please reach out to GLAD Answers. 

Get involved in your local community

  • Follow the issues that come up in your school committee and town/city council.
  • Attend meetings when important issues are being discussed and even to participate in the public comment period in which School Board/Committee members listen to input from the public. It is important that they hear support for good work and good arguments for why LGBTQ+ and race-based restrictions are bad educational policy for all students.
  • Follow education, curriculum, staffing, policy, library and other issues in school board and local elections, or run for office yourself.

For support in talking about issues related to education and LGBTQ+ students, and more ways to take action, visit Campaign for Our Shared Future.

Organizations and Additional Resources

Organizations

  • PFLAG Dorset is dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
  • Vermont Agency of Education implements state and federal laws, policies, and regulations to ensure all Vermont learners have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities.
  • Vermont Human Rights Commission protects people from unlawful discrimination in housing, state government employment, and public accommodations.

For more youth-focused organizations, visit Youth Organizations | Vermont.

Additional Resources

Vermont Agency of Education | Continuing Best Practices for Schools Regarding Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students — Sample procedures designed to provide direction for schools to address issues that may arise concerning the needs of transgender and gender nonconforming students.

Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ Equality in Vermont? Visit the Movement Advancement Project’s Vermont Equality Profile.

GLAD Answers

Still have questions? Contact GLAD Answers for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

School Resources | Youth | Rhode Island

Schools are meant to be student-centered places where young people are safe and can learn what they need to succeed in life. Yet, extremist politicians and well-funded national groups are trying to make public schools and school libraries a site of attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, and families. 

Youth in Rhode Island public schools still have rights, and our schools have a responsibility to ensure all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are safe, supported, and able to learn. GLAD and our partners are sharing these resources on your rights as a student, parent, and educator.

Find national resources and organizations here.

Rhode Island Resources

Know Your Rights

Nondiscrimination: Rhode Island General Laws prohibit discrimination in educational programs, opportunities and other matters based on gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and perceived sexual orientation in Rhode Island public schools.  You can read more under R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-1.1 

Anti-Bullying: Rhode Island has strong anti-bullying laws. It has strict requirements that schools must follow to protect students from a wide variety of bullying, be it physical, verbal, or online.  

Guidance for Schools: The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created guidance in 2016 for schools on the rights, responsibilities, and best educational practices for transgender and gender non-conforming students. Learn more about the guidance and contact the Department of Education for more information.

Learn more about youth rights in Rhode Island on the following Know Your Rights pages

What to do if you or your child is experiencing bullying, discrimination, or mistreatment in school

If you as a student or your child is experiencing bullying because of an LGBTQ+ status or a perceived LGBTQ+ status, you can take steps under your local policy as well as state and federal law to remedy the situation. And you can pursue both avenues at the same time. 

Rhode Island Anti-Bullying & Harassment Protections 

First, it is important to understand what Rhode Island considers bullying or harassment.  

Rhode Island anti-bullying laws include the following definitions of bullying: “Bullying” means the use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof directed at a student that: 

  • Causes physical or emotional harm to the student or damage to the student’s property; 
  • Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to himself/herself or of damage to his/her property; 
  • Creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or abusive educational environment for the student; 
  • Infringes on the rights of the student to participate in school activities; or 
  • Materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. The expression, physical act or gesture may include, but is not limited to, an incident or incidents that may be reasonably perceived as being motivated by characteristics such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or mental, physical, or sensory disability, intellectual ability or by any other distinguishing characteristic. 

Read more from StopBullying.gov FAQ. 

Second, consider whether you want to take action under the school’s anti-bullying or harassment policies, which should be available on the school website. If so, follow the steps from the school’s policies, keep copies/screenshots of emails and texts, and take notes of conversations with school staff to show that you have done what you are supposed to and that the school is on notice of your concerns.

If the school is not investigating the bullying, press them to do so. Rhode Island’s Safe School Act Statewide Bullying Policy “recognizes that the bullying of a student creates a climate of fear and disrespect that can seriously impair the student’s health and negatively affect learning. Bullying undermines the safe learning environment that students need to achieve their full potential.  The purpose of the Policy is to ensure a consistent and unified statewide approach to the prohibition of bullying at school.” See the full policy from 2012 here, and information Rhode Island Kid’s Count Bullying Prevention Brief from 2016 here. 

If you are not satisfied with the school’s response, consider contacting the school district’s Superintendent (information on the school website). 

If working with the administration and superintendent is not helpful, the RI Department of Education is the next place to turn.  You can contact Thrive, a part of the State government devoted to healthy and safe learning environments.

Under a Board of Regents Policy adopted in 1997 and revised in 2010, all students, without exception, have the right to attend a school in which they feel safe and able to express their identity without fear… certain students, because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, have been subject to discrimination through abuse, harassment, bullying and/or exclusion from full participation in educational activities. You can find more information here and here.

You may also choose to file a discrimination complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights. Find out more.

US Harassment & Discrimination Protections for Students 

Federal law is also a tool for addressing bullying and harassment.  When these behaviors are ignored or inadequately addressed, this may add up to discrimination or the denial of education opportunities based on sexual orientation or gender identity, among other characteristics.  

You can raise concerns about your or your child’s experience of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, or other discrimination by contacting contact the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in Boston to file a complaint. The OCR has the authority to investigate a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Note that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are aspects of “sex” discrimination.  

Contact the Office of Civil Rights. 

Harassment and bullying because of a person’s LGBTQ+ identities may also constitute sex discrimination under Title IX protections. Read more about the US Department of Education’s updated guidance on Title IX.  

If you have questions about the specific situation you are experiencing or questions that have not been answered above, please reach out to GLAD Answers. 

Get involved in your local community

  • Follow the issues that come up in your school committee and town/city council
  • Attend meetings when important issues are being discussed and even to participate in the public comment period in which School Board/Committee members listen to input from the public.  It is important that they hear support for good work and good arguments for why LGBTQ+ and race-based restrictions are bad educational policy for all students.
  • Follow education, curriculum, staffing, policy, library and other issues in school board and local elections, or run for office yourself
  • For support in talking about issues related to education and LGBTQ+ students, and more ways to take action, visit Campaign for Our Shared Future.

Organizations and Additional Resources

Organizations

For more youth-focused organizations, visit Youth Organizations | Rhode Island

Additional Resources

LGBTQ+ Youth Resource Lists:

Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ Equality in Rhode Island? Visit the Movement Advancement Project’s Rhode Island Equality Profile.

GLAD Answers

Still have questions? Contact GLAD Answers for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

School Resources | Youth | New Hampshire

Schools are meant to be student-centered places where young people are safe and can learn what they need to succeed in life. Yet, extremist politicians and well-funded national groups are trying to make public schools and school libraries a site of attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, and families. 

Youth in New Hampshire public schools still have rights, and our schools have a responsibility to ensure all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are safe, supported, and able to learn. GLAD and our partners are sharing these resources on your rights as a student, parent, and educator.

Find national resources and organizations here.

New Hampshire Resources

Know Your Rights

Nondiscrimination: New Hampshire General Laws prohibit discrimination in educational programs, opportunities and other matters based on gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and perceived sexual orientation in New Hampshire public schools. You can read more under GL 354-A:27. 

Anti-Bullying: New Hampshire anti-bullying law affirms that “one of the legislature’s highest priorities is to protect our children from physical, emotional, and psychological violence by addressing the harm caused by bullying and cyber-bullying in our public schools”. It has requirements that schools must follow to protect students from a wide variety of bullying, be it physical, verbal, or online.  

Guidance for Schools: The New Hampshire Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created guidance for schools on the rights, responsibilities, and best educational practices for transgender and gender non-conforming students.  

Learn more about youth rights in New Hampshire on the following Know Your Rights pages

What to do if you or your child is experiencing bullying, discrimination, or mistreatment in school

If you as a student or your child is experiencing bullying because of an LGBTQ+ status or a perceived LGBTQ+ status, you can take steps under local policy as well as state and federal law to remedy the situation. And you can pursue both avenues at the same time. 

New Hampshire Anti-Bullying & Harassment Protections: 

First, it is important to understand what New Hampshire considers bullying or harassment. New Hampshire anti-bullying laws define bullying as: “actions motivated by an imbalance of power based on a pupil’s actual or perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs, or motivated by the pupil’s associated with another person and based on the other person’s characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs.” Read more here. 

Second, consider whether you want to take action under the school’s anti-bullying or harassment policies, which should be available on the school website. If so, follow the steps from the school’s policies, keep copies/screenshots of emails and texts, and take notes of conversations with school staff so you can show you have done what you are supposed to and that the school is on notice of your concerns.

If the school is not investigating the bullying, press them to do so. The anti-bullying law expects schools to have a written policy addressing 14 issues the state has outlined in their ‘Bullying Policy Checklist.’ 
 
If you are not satisfied with the school’s response, consider (1) contacting the school district’s Superintendent (information on the school website) and/or (2) reporting the bullying to the NH Department of Education, and/or contacting an attorney. 

You may also choose to file a discrimination complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. Find out more.

US Harassment & Discrimination Protections for Students 

Federal law is also a tool for addressing bullying and harassment.  When these behaviors are ignored or inadequately addressed, this may add up to discrimination or the denial of education opportunities based on sexual orientation or gender identity, among other characteristics.  

You can raise concerns about your or your child’s experience of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, or other discrimination by contacting contact the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in Boston to file a complaint. The OCR has the authority to investigate a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Note that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are aspects of “sex” discrimination.  

Contact the Office of Civil Rights. 

Harassment and bullying because of a person’s LGBTQ+ identities may also constitute sex discrimination under Title IX protections. Read more about the US Department of Education’s updated guidance on Title IX.  

If you have questions about the specific situation you are experiencing or questions that have not been answered above, please reach out to GLAD Answers. 

Get involved in your local community

  • Follow the issues that come up in your school committee and town/city council.
  • Attend meetings when important issues are being discussed and even to participate in the public comment period in which School Board/Committee members listen to input from the public. It is important that they hear support for good work and good arguments for why LGBTQ+ and race-based restrictions are bad educational policy for all students.
  • Follow education, curriculum, staffing, policy, library and other issues in school board and local elections, or run for office yourself.

For support in talking about issues related to education and LGBTQ+ students, and more ways to take action, visit Campaign for Our Shared Future.

Organizations and Additional Resources

Organizations

  • GLSEN New Hampshire ensures safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • New Hampshire Youth Movement is a movement of young people transforming their political system so it serves and is led by the people it has left behind.
  • PFLAG New Hampshire  is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world.

For more youth-focused organizations, visit Youth Organizations | New Hampshire.

Additional Resources

New Hampshire School Boards Association | Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Policy — New Hampshire policy for schools to protect and affirm transgender and gender nonconforming students.

Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ Equality in New Hampshire? Visit the Movement Advancement Project’s New Hampshire Equality Profile.

GLAD Answers

Still have questions? Contact GLAD Answers for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

School Resources | Youth | Connecticut

Schools are meant to be student-centered places where young people are safe and can learn what they need to succeed in life. Yet, extremist politicians and well-funded national groups are trying to make public schools and school libraries a site of attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, and families. 

Youth in Connecticut public schools still have rights, and our schools have a responsibility to ensure all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are safe, supported, and able to learn. GLAD and our partners are sharing these resources on your rights as a student, parent, and educator.

Find national resources and organizations here.

Connecticut Resources

Know Your Rights

Nondiscrimination: Along with other personal characteristics, Connecticut General Laws prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and perceived sexual orientation in Connecticut public schools. You can find the law about “equal educational opportunity” and the characteristics protected from discrimination at GL Sec 10-25c. 

Anti-Bullying: Connecticut has strict anti-bullying requirements that schools must follow to protect students from a wide variety of bullying, be it physical, verbal, or online. You can find a comprehensive guide directed at parents here as well as updated versions of the law and information on the state’s ‘prevention and intervention’ strategy regarding bullying here. 

Guidance for Schools: The Connecticut State Department of Education has created guidance for schools on the Civil Rights Protections and Supports for Transgender Students. Learn more about this guide here. Advances in the law in this area are advancing rapidly. If you have specific questions about a particular matter, please contact an attorney.  

Learn more about youth rights in Connecticut on the following Know Your Rights pages:

What to do if you or your child is experiencing bullying, discrimination, or mistreatment in school

If you as a student are or your child is experiencing bullying at least in part because of an LGBTQ+ status or a perceived LGBTQ+ status, you can take steps under both state and federal law to remedy the situation. And you can pursue both avenues at the same time. 

Connecticut Anti-Bullying & Harassment Protections 

First, it is important to understand what Connecticut considers bullying or harassment. The State of Connecticut defines bullying as: an act that is direct or indirect and severe, persistent or pervasive, which (A) causes physical or emotional harm to an individual, (B) places an individual in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm, or (C) infringes on the rights or opportunities of an individual at school. “Bullying” shall include, but need not be limited to, a written, oral or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics; 

“Cyberbullying” means any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other mobile electronic devices or any electronic communications. 

Read more here. 

Second, consider whether you want to take action under the school’s anti-bullying or harassment policies, which should be available on the school or district website. If so, follow the steps from the school’s policies, keep copies/screenshots of emails and texts, and take notes of conversations with school staff to show that you have done what you are supposed to and that the school is on notice of your concerns.  

If the school is not investigating the bullying, press them to do so. “Connecticut school district safe school climate plans must incorporate a prevention and intervention strategy that may include, but is not limited to, implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports or other evidence-based model approaches, school rules prohibiting bullying, adult supervision of selected areas of school campuses, individual interventions with students involved in bullying incidents, school-wide school climate training, parent engagement strategies, and culturally-competent school-based curriculum.” Read more here under the heading “What are the policy requirements for schools to prevent and respond to bullying behavior?” 


If you are not satisfied with the school’s response, consider filing a formal complaint as described here or in your school’s policy with your school’s principal as well as sending it to the superintendent, school board, etc. when applicable. Please note that this information is from December 2012 and the state of Connecticut is currently updating it.  

Another possibility is to contact HealthCare Advocates International which has an LGBTQ+ competency training program for CT schools that may be able to offer workshops the school administration and staff.  

GLSEN CT also works to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

You can find good student resources and updates regarding Health Services and Health Education from the state here. 

You may also choose to file a discrimination complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

US Harassment & Discrimination Protections for Students

Federal law is also a tool for addressing bullying and harassment.  When these behaviors are ignored or inadequately addressed, this may add up to discrimination or the denial of education opportunities based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, among other characteristics.   

You can raise concerns about your or your child’s experience of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, or other discrimination by contacting contact the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in Boston to file a complaint. The OCR has the authority to investigate a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Note that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are aspects of “sex” discrimination.  

Contact the Office of Civil Rights. 

Harassment and bullying because of a person’s LGBTQ+ identities likely also constitutes sex discrimination under Title IX protections. Read more about the US Department of Education’s updated guidance on Title IX.  

If you have questions about the specific situation you are experiencing or questions that have not been answered above, please reach out to GLAD Answers. 

Get involved in your local community

  • Follow the issues that come up in your school committee and town/city council
  • Attend meetings when important issues are being discussed and even to participate in the public comment period in which School Board/Committee members listen to input from the public.  It is important that they hear support for good work and good arguments for why LGBTQ+ and race-based restrictions are bad educational policy for all students.
  • Follow education, curriculum, staffing, policy, library and other issues in school board and local elections, or run for office yourself
  • For support in talking about issues related to education and LGBTQ+ students, and more ways to take action, visit Campaign for Our Shared Future.

Organizations and Additional Resources

Organizations

  • GLSEN Connecticut works to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities works to eliminate discrimination through civil and human rights law enforcement and to establish equal opportunity and justice for all persons within the state through advocacy and education.
  • Connecticut State Department of Education helps ensure equal opportunity and excellence in education for all Connecticut students.
  • OutCT is dedicated to building a community through educational, cultural and social programming that promotes acceptance, tolerance and understanding of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

For more youth-focused organizations, visit Youth Organizations | Connecticut.

Additional Resources

Connecticut State Department of Education | Guidance on Civil Rights Protections and Supports for Transgender Students — Guidance for Connecticut school districts on the rights, responsibilities and best educational practices for transgender and gender non-conforming students.

GLSEN | School Climate for LGBTQ Students in Connecticut — Connecticut findings from the GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey.

Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ Equality in Connecticut? Visit the Movement Advancement Project’s Connecticut Equality Profile.

GLAD Answers

Still have questions? Contact GLAD Answers for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

School Resources | Youth | Maine

Schools are meant to be student-centered places where young people are safe and can learn what they need to succeed in life. Yet, extremist politicians and well-funded national groups are trying to make public schools and school libraries a site of attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, and families. 

But youth in Maine public schools have rights, and our schools have a responsibility to ensure all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are safe, supported, and able to learn. GLAD and our partners are sharing these resources on your rights as a student, parent, and educator.

Find national resources and organizations here.

Maine Resources

Know Your Rights

Nondiscrimination: Maine General Laws prohibit discrimination in educational programs, opportunities and other matters based on gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and perceived sexual orientation in Maine public schools. You can read more under GL 5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4602  

Anti-Bullying: Maine has one strong anti-bullying law with strict requirements that schools must follow to protect students from a wide variety of bullying, be it physical, verbal, or online.  

Guidance for Schools: The Maine Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created a set of eight principles and practices to support LGBTQ youth in schools at Foundational Practices to Support LGBTQ+ Students.    

Learn more about youth rights in Maine on the following Know Your Rights pages

What to do if you or your child is experiencing bullying, discrimination, or mistreatment in school 

If you as a student or your child is experiencing bullying because of an LGBTQ+ status or a perceived LGBTQ+ status, you can take steps under school or district policy as well as [new] state and federal law to remedy the situation. And you can pursue both avenues at the same time. StopBullying.gov has a good FAQ on the Maine law addressing the law, policies, procedure, data and prevention procedures.  

Maine Anti-Bullying & Harassment Protections  

First, it is important to understand what Maine considers bullying or harassment. Maine anti-bullying laws include the following definitions of bullying and cyberbullying:  

“Bullying” includes, but is not limited to, a written, oral or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof directed at a student or students that:  

    (1)   Has, or a reasonable person would expect it to have, the effect of:  

        (a)   Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property; or  

        (b)   Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to the student’s property;  

    (2)   Interferes with the rights of a student by:  

        (a)   Creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment for the student; or  

        (b)   Interfering with the student’s academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by a school; or  

    (3)   Is based on a student’s actual or perceived characteristics identified in Title 5, section 4602 or 4684-A, or is based on a student’s association with a person with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other distinguishing characteristics and that has the effect described in subparagraph (1) or (2).  

You can read further here.   

 Second, consider whether you want to take action under the school’s anti-bullying or harassment policies, which should be available on the school or district website. If so, follow the steps from the policies, keep copies/screenshots of emails and texts, and take notes of conversations with school staff so you can show that you have done what you are supposed to and that the school is on notice of your concerns.   

If the school is not investigating the bullying, press them to do so. The anti-bullying law expects  Maine school districts to “establish policies and procedures to address bullying that conform to the state model policy” as shown here as well as “Provisions outlining the responsibility of a superintendent to implement and enforce the bullying policies, including a requirement to designate school personnel to administer policies at the school level and a procedure for publicly identifying the designee.” 

If you are not satisfied with the school’s response, consider contacting both the school’s principal and the district’s Superintendent (information on the school website). Under Maine’s Model Policy for Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention, they note that principals and superintendents will Promptly [OR: within ___ days] investigate and respond to allegations of bullying behavior”.   

 If working with the administration and superintendent is not helpful, and if the harassment is still related to your child’s LGBTQ+ identities, you can reach out to Maine DOE and ask for the LGBTQ+ Support contact. 

Maine Department of Education LGBTQ+ Resources can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/lgbtq/student.

You may also choose to file a discrimination complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission. Find out more.

US Harassment & Discrimination Protections for Students  

Federal law is also a tool for addressing bullying and harassment.  When these behaviors are ignored or inadequately addressed, this may add up to discrimination or the denial of education opportunities based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, among other characteristics.   

You can raise concerns about your or your child’s experience of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, or other discrimination by contacting contact the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in Boston to file a complaint. The OCR has the authority to investigate a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Note that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are aspects of “sex” discrimination. Contact the Office of Civil Rights.  

Harassment and bullying because of a person’s LGBTQ+ identities likely constitutes sex discrimination under Title IX protections. Read more about the US Department of Education’s updated guidance on Title IX.   

 If you have questions about the specific situation you are experiencing or questions that have not been answered above, please reach out to GLAD Answers. 

About school censorship and book bans

On May 16, 2023, the ACLU and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) sent a letter urging Maine public school districts to protect students’ legal rights by rejecting censorship in school libraries.

Learn more here.

Get involved in your local community

  • Follow the issues that come up in your school committee and town/city council
  • Attend meetings when important issues are being discussed and even to participate in the public comment period in which School Board/Committee members listen to input from the public. It is important that they hear support for good work and good arguments for why LGBTQ+ and race-based restrictions are bad educational policy for all students.
  • Follow education, curriculum, staffing, policy, library and other issues in school board and local elections, or run for office yourself

For support in talking about issues related to education and LGBTQ+ students, and more ways to take action, visit Campaign for Our Shared Future.

Organizations and Additional Resources

Organizations

  • The Maine Department of Education provides all Maine students access to educational experiences, Pre-K through adult, that lead to their success in life and career.
  • The Maine Human Rights Commission prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected class in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, education, and extension of credit.
  • Trans Youth Equality Foundation based in Maine serves all of New England, providing education, advocacy and support for transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families.
  • Maine Youth Action Newtork (MYAN) is a statewide network of committed adults and passionate young people who believe in the transformative power of youth leadership. 
  • EqualityMaine is the oldest and largest statewide organization dedicated to creating a fair and just society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers. 

For more youth-focused organizations, visit Youth Organizations | Maine.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ Equality in Maine? Visit the Movement Advancement Project’s Maine Equality Profile.

GLAD Answers

Still have questions? Contact GLAD Answers for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

School Resources | Youth | Massachusetts

Schools are meant to be student-centered places where young people are safe and can learn what they need to succeed in life. Yet, extremist politicians and well-funded national groups are trying to make public schools and school libraries a site of attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, and families. 

Youth in Massachusetts public schools still have rights, and our schools have a responsibility to ensure all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are safe, supported, and able to learn. GLAD and our partners are sharing these resources on your rights as a student, parent, and educator.

Massachusetts Resources

Know Your Rights

Nondiscrimination: Massachusetts General Laws prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and perceived sexual orientation in Massachusetts public schools. You can read more under G.L. c. 76, sec. 5.

Anti-Bullying: Massachusetts has one of the strongest anti-bullying laws in the country. It has strict requirements that schools must follow to protect students from a wide variety of bullying, be it physical, verbal, or online. 

Guidance for Schools: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created guidance for schools on the rights, responsibilities, and best educational practices for transgender and gender non-conforming students. Learn more about this guidance here.

Learn more on the following Know Your Rights pages:

What to do if you or your child is experiencing bullying, discrimination, or mistreatment in school

If you as a student or your child is experiencing bullying because of an LGBTQ+ identity or a perceived LGBTQ+ identity, you can take steps under both state and federal law to remedy the situation. And you can pursue both avenues at the same time.

Massachusetts Anti-Bullying & Harassment Protections

First, it is important to understand what Massachusetts considers bullying or harassment. As the Attorney General summarizes,

The Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law (G.L. c. 71, § 37O) and Student Anti-Discrimination Act (G.L. c. 76, § 5) require schools to take steps to prevent bias-related bullying and harassment by students and respond effectively when it occurs. Bullying and harassment are similar, but not identical, types of misconduct.

  • Bullying generally includes any repeated, targeted behavior that harms a student or disrupts the school environment. Although not all bullying is bias-related, bullying often stems from or involves bias, prejudice, or hate. The law specifically protects against bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, national origin, religion, disability, and age.
  • Harassment is conduct that creates, or contributes to the creation of, an intimidating or hostile environment for a student because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
  • Like bullying, harassment can take many forms, including verbal statements, online or social media activity, graffiti, and violent or threatening physical conduct. Unlike bullying, harassment does not have to be repeated or targeted at a particular victim. A single, severe hate incident may create an intimidating or hostile environment—so too may a series or pattern of incidents. 

You can the full laws at G.L. c. 71, sec. 37O (e) and G.L. c. 76, sec. 5.

Second, consider whether you want to take action under the school’s anti-bullying or harassment policies, which should be available on the school website. If so, follow the steps from the school’s policies and keep copies/screenshots of emails and texts, as well as take notes of conversations with school staff, to show that you have done what you are supposed to and that the school is on notice of your concerns. 

If the school is not investigating the bullying, press them to do so. The anti-bullying law expects schools to have a policy providing “clear procedures for promptly responding to and investigating reports of bullying or retaliation.”

If you are not satisfied with the school’s response, consider contacting (1) the school district’s Superintendent (information on the school website) and/or (2) the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ+-related bullying. The Safe Schools Program is for LGBTQ+ students who need support and suggested strategies for dealing with the bullying. The Safe Schools program may be able to do an evaluation of the school and may offer trainings to administration and staff if they find it is not an LGBTQ+ safe environment. You can find the application for support here.

You may find more information about bullying laws from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office here. GLAD is among those who advocated for the anti-bullying law and have defended it in Court. Learn more about GLAD’s amicus brief in Doe v. Hopkinton Public Schools here.

US Harassment & Discrimination Protections for Students

Federal law is also a tool for addressing bullying and harassment.  When these behaviors are ignored or inadequately addressed, this may add up to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, among other characteristics. 

You can raise concerns about your or your child’s experience of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, or other discrimination by contacting contact the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in Boston to file a complaint. The OCR has the authority to investigate a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Note that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are aspects of “sex” discrimination. 

Contact the Office of Civil Rights.

Harassment and bullying because of a person’s LGBTQ+ identities may also constitute sex discrimination under Title IX protections. Read more about the US Department of Education’s updated guidance on Title IX. If your school is unsupportive and not taking action to end the bullying, you can also contact GLAD Answers.

Finally, Fenway Health offers free mental health support to LGBTQ+ people who have experienced harassment and may be able to offer your child support.

If you have questions about the specific situation you are experiencing or questions that have not been answered above, please reach out to GLAD Answers.

About school censorship and book bans

On January 23, 2023, the ACLU and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) sent a letter urging Massachusetts public school districts to protect students’ legal rights by rejecting censorship in school libraries.

Learn more here.

Get involved in your local community

  • Follow the issues that come up in your school committee and town/city council.
  • Attend meetings when important issues are being discussed and even to participate in the public comment period in which School Board/Committee members listen to input from the public. It is important that they hear support for good work and good arguments for why LGBTQ+ and race-based restrictions are bad educational policy for all students.
  • Follow education, curriculum, staffing, policy, library and other issues in school board and local elections, or run for office yourself.
  • For support in talking about issues related to education and LGBTQ+ students, and more ways to take action, visit Campaign for Our Shared Future.

Organizations and Additional Resources

Organizations

  • GLAD is involved in youth-related cases and advocacy work across the country.
    • In Massachusetts, GLAD filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of the Massachusetts Superintendents Association and GLAD in support of a Ludlow public school. Learn more about Foote v. Town of Ludlow.
  • GLSEN Massachusetts is a grassroots initiative, working locally in our community to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • MassEquality works to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive each and every day without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
  • The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth advocates for effective policies, programs, and resources for LGBTQ+ youth to thrive.
  • The Massachusetts GSA Student Leadership Council creates and informs policy, promotes inclusive learning environments for all students, supports the development of leadership skills, and fosters statewide collaboration among LGBTQ students and allies.
  • PFLAG ​is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.

For more youth-focused organizations, visit Youth Organizations | Massachusetts.

Additional Resources

GLSEN | 2021 National School Climate Survey — Flagship report on the school experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in schools.

MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth | Report and Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2023 — An in-depth report of MA’s educational and legislative policies in relation to LGBTQ+ youth.

Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students | Teacher & Administrator Resources — The following documents outline various appropriate guidelines for teachers and administrators who are working with LGBTQ+ youth:

Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ Equality in Massachusetts? Visit the Movement Advancement Project’s Massachusetts Equality Profile.

GLAD Answers

Still have questions? Contact GLAD Answers for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

News

Statement on the Death of Nex Benedict

Our hearts are breaking for the family, friends, and community of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary Indigenous child in Oklahoma who should have enjoyed a long and beautiful life. Nex was sixteen years old, loved to read, draw, play Minecraft, and spend time with their cat, Zeus.

All students deserve a supportive learning environment, including LGBTQ2S+ students, and our public schools have a responsibility to keep students safe. Oklahoma is one of several states with laws requiring public school students to only use the bathroom that matches the gender they were assigned at birth. Laws targeting transgender and nonbinary people have devastating, sometimes lethal, consequences. Relatives say Nex had been bullied for months before they were assaulted in the girls’ student restroom. Our current climate of escalating hate in online and offline spaces, and proliferating laws targeting transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals are putting young people at risk.

We continue to fight for all young people to be who they are, do what they love, and live. Rest in power, Nex.

Resources:

23 SOJ no online ticket purchase webpage notification

School Resources in Maine

School Resources in Maine

Schools are meant to be student-centered places where young people are safe and can learn what they need to succeed in life. Yet, extremist politicians and well-funded national groups are trying to make public schools and school libraries a site of attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, and families. 

But youth in Maine public schools have rights, and our schools have a responsibility to ensure all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are safe, supported, and able to learn. GLAD and our partners are sharing these resources on your rights as a student, parent, and educator.

Find national resources and organizations here.

Maine Resources

Know Your Rights

Nondiscrimination: Maine General Laws prohibit discrimination in educational programs, opportunities and other matters based on gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and perceived sexual orientation in Maine public schools. You can read more under GL 5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4602  

Anti-Bullying: Maine has one strong anti-bullying law with strict requirements that schools must follow to protect students from a wide variety of bullying, be it physical, verbal, or online.  

Guidance for Schools: The Maine Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created a set of eight principles and practices to support LGBTQ youth in schools at Foundational Practices to Support LGBTQ+ Students.    

Learn more about youth rights in Maine on the following Know Your Rights pages

What to do if you or your child is experiencing bullying, discrimination, or mistreatment in school 

If you as a student or your child is experiencing bullying because of an LGBTQ+ status or a perceived LGBTQ+ status, you can take steps under school or district policy as well as [new] state and federal law to remedy the situation. And you can pursue both avenues at the same time. StopBullying.gov has a good FAQ on the Maine law addressing the law, policies, procedure, data and prevention procedures.  

Maine Anti-Bullying & Harassment Protections  

First, it is important to understand what Maine considers bullying or harassment. Maine anti-bullying laws include the following definitions of bullying and cyberbullying:  

“Bullying” includes, but is not limited to, a written, oral or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof directed at a student or students that:  

    (1)   Has, or a reasonable person would expect it to have, the effect of:  

        (a)   Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property; or  

        (b)   Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to the student’s property;  

    (2)   Interferes with the rights of a student by:  

        (a)   Creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment for the student; or  

        (b)   Interfering with the student’s academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by a school; or  

    (3)   Is based on a student’s actual or perceived characteristics identified in Title 5, section 4602 or 4684-A, or is based on a student’s association with a person with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other distinguishing characteristics and that has the effect described in subparagraph (1) or (2).  

You can read further here.   

 Second, consider whether you want to take action under the school’s anti-bullying or harassment policies, which should be available on the school or district website. If so, follow the steps from the policies, keep copies/screenshots of emails and texts, and take notes of conversations with school staff so you can show that you have done what you are supposed to and that the school is on notice of your concerns.   

If the school is not investigating the bullying, press them to do so. The anti-bullying law expects  Maine school districts to “establish policies and procedures to address bullying that conform to the state model policy” as shown here as well as “Provisions outlining the responsibility of a superintendent to implement and enforce the bullying policies, including a requirement to designate school personnel to administer policies at the school level and a procedure for publicly identifying the designee.” 

If you are not satisfied with the school’s response, consider contacting both the school’s principal and the district’s Superintendent (information on the school website). Under Maine’s Model Policy for Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention, they note that principals and superintendents will Promptly [OR: within ___ days] investigate and respond to allegations of bullying behavior”.   

 If working with the administration and superintendent is not helpful, and if the harassment is still related to your child’s LGBTQ+ identities, you can reach out to Maine DOE and ask for the LGBTQ+ Support contact. 

Maine Department of Education LGBTQ+ Resources can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/lgbtq/student.

You may also choose to file a discrimination complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission. Find out more.

US Harassment & Discrimination Protections for Students  

Federal law is also a tool for addressing bullying and harassment.  When these behaviors are ignored or inadequately addressed, this may add up to discrimination or the denial of education opportunities based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, among other characteristics.   

You can raise concerns about your or your child’s experience of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, or other discrimination by contacting contact the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in Boston to file a complaint. The OCR has the authority to investigate a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Note that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are aspects of “sex” discrimination. Contact the Office of Civil Rights.  

Harassment and bullying because of a person’s LGBTQ+ identities likely constitutes sex discrimination under Title IX protections. Read more about the US Department of Education’s updated guidance on Title IX.   

 If you have questions about the specific situation you are experiencing or questions that have not been answered above, please reach out to GLAD Answers. 

About school censorship and book bans

On May 16, 2023, the ACLU and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) sent a letter urging Maine public school districts to protect students’ legal rights by rejecting censorship in school libraries.

Learn more here.

Get involved in your local community

  • Follow the issues that come up in your school committee and town/city council
  • Attend meetings when important issues are being discussed and even to participate in the public comment period in which School Board/Committee members listen to input from the public. It is important that they hear support for good work and good arguments for why LGBTQ+ and race-based restrictions are bad educational policy for all students.
  • Follow education, curriculum, staffing, policy, library and other issues in school board and local elections, or run for office yourself

For support in talking about issues related to education and LGBTQ+ students, and more ways to take action, visit Campaign for Our Shared Future.

Organizations and Additional Resources

Organizations

  • The Maine Department of Education provides all Maine students access to educational experiences, Pre-K through adult, that lead to their success in life and career.
  • The Maine Human Rights Commission prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected class in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, education, and extension of credit.
  • Trans Youth Equality Foundation based in Maine serves all of New England, providing education, advocacy and support for transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families.
  • Maine Youth Action Newtork (MYAN) is a statewide network of committed adults and passionate young people who believe in the transformative power of youth leadership. 
  • EqualityMaine is the oldest and largest statewide organization dedicated to creating a fair and just society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers. 

For more youth-focused organizations, visit Youth Organizations | Maine.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ Equality in Maine? Visit the Movement Advancement Project’s Maine Equality Profile.

GLAD Answers

Still have questions? Contact GLAD Answers for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

News

GLAD condemns the devastating terror attack on Israel by the Hamas militant group one week ago today. Attacks on civilians are never justified. Our hearts have been broken over the violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza. We mourn with families who have lost loved ones, stand with those who continue to live in fear, and hope for peace.

Read below for resources on supporting humanitarian aid efforts in Israel and Gaza:
www.npr.org/2023/10/13/1205235922/help-israel-gaza-humanitarian-organizations

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