Anti-LGBTQIA Policy in Schools
LGBTQIA students have the right to a safe and inclusive educational environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Unfortunately, those rights are being threatened through a national wave of anti-LGBTQIA legislation being introduced across the country and in North Carolina. Much of this legislation negatively impacts the rights, freedoms, and safety of LGBTQIA youth. Instead of limiting resources, education, and opportunities, our schools should protect and support all students to learn and thrive.
These bills recently became law:
SB49
When young people go to school, they should feel safe and encouraged to be who they are. This law threatens that by severely restricting the discussion of sexuality and gender identity among educators and students, and forces school faculty to out (reveal the sexual orientation and/or gender identity) children to their parents.
HB574
Transgender youth deserve the opportunity to engage in sports in an environment that fosters inclusivity and understanding. This law takes that away from transgender girls by banning them from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity.
HB808
Denying medical care and support to transgender youth has been shown to contribute to depression, social isolation, self-hatred, risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior, and more. Sadly, this law does just that by banning gender transition surgical procedures, as well as puberty blockers, from being provided to minors and creates penalties for doctors who do so.
Governor Cooper vetoed these bills. However, on Wednesday, August 14, 2023, the NC General Assembly voted to override the vetoes that Governor Cooper issued, meaning that they are now law throughout the state of North Carolina.
These bills reflect an alarming, censorial, and punitive wave in our culture to eliminate the civil liberties of minoritized people. They endanger the physical and mental wellbeing of LGBTQIA youth throughout the state. These new laws can make going back to school even more stressful, frightening, and uncertain for LGBTQIA kids.