Student Non-Discrimination Act needed to protect LGBT students from bullying
By Kathy Baldock
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/student-non-discrimination-act-needed-to-protect-lgbt-students-from-bullying/ (http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/student-non-discrimination-act-needed-to-protect-lgbt-students-from-bullying/)
SNDA includes comprehensive federal prohibitions against discrimination in public schools based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. It would forbid schools with public funding to discriminate against LGBT students or ignore harassing behaviors.
The bill was re-introduced, having not been added in committee in ESEA, by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.). (watch the video, grab a tissue.) Co-sponsored by 34 senators, it needs the approval of 60 senators to attach it to the ESEA before going to the House for a vote before it becomes law.
"Is it needed?" you may ask. Only 13 states have laws protecting LGBT students from harassment at school; this is not a surprising statistic when you also realize that 15 states do not even include sexual orientation and gender identity on the "hate crimes" list; in 29 states you can still be fired for being gay; and in 34 states you can be fired for being trans.