ABSTRACT
Any school professional who aims to help create a supportive and responsive school environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students must first understand the relevant laws and policies. Federal and state policies also affect the education of LGBTQ students and school practices. School personnel can use this information to adopt and implement policies at school and district levels that protect the rights of all the students they serve. One of the most common legal protections utilized in lawsuits protecting LGBTQ students is the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution. According to this clause, if a school district protects any student from harassment or discrimination, it must similarly protect all students. Some incidents involving LGBTQ students on school campuses might fall within the scope of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. The First Amendment to the US Constitution protects freedom of speech.
