“These protections are long overdue and can make all the difference to the countless transgender and gender diverse youth facing harassment and bullying every day simply for being who they are,” said Briana Escamilla, HRC Nevada State Manager. “When students are free from fear of discrimination, they can develop their strengths and thrive socially, emotionally and academically. We hope school districts across Nevada will move quickly to implement inclusive policies that protect the safety and wellbeing of every student.”

At today’s hearing, Nevada Superintendent Steve Canavero confirmed that the Department of Education would move forward with its proposed regulation to address the needs of gender diverse students in Nevada Public Schools, and offer guidance for teachers and administrators serving LGBTQ students. The draft regulation was first released last year following the passage of an anti-bullying state law. Nevada law has also prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender identity in education since 2011.

Currently, fourteen states and the District of Columbia address discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in public education. Anti-LGBTQ stigma continues to negatively impact LGBTQ young people causing problems like depression, violence and substance abuse, but studies show that support from peers, family and other important adults, such as teachers, often leads to better outcomes, particularly among transgender youth.

To learn more about how HRC supports LGBTQ young people at school, at home and in their communities, visit http://www.hrc.org/explore/topic/children-youth.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
###