Legal Issues Related to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Public Schools.

In June of 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage under both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.1 This decision has undoubtedly had a positive effect on the lives of LGBT people. Moreover, in recent years, LGBT case law and legislation has evolved in ways that significantly impact the everyday experiences of students and employees in the K-12 context. However, uncertainties remain and the fight for full equality continues. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial to being an effective advocate for change. While this article does not cover the entire range of legal issues impacting LGBT students and school personnel, it examines specific legal issues recently addressed by courts, the U.S. Department of Education, and legislators--bullying and harassment, student speech, access for transgender students and employment-related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]