Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Students and Teachers: Rights of

The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ) students and teachers are not defined in any federal law and vary widely from state to state and school district to school district. Courts are often left to decide on a case-by-case basis where the rights of LGBTQ teachers and students begin and end. This topic holds relevance for educational law makers and policy makers and the many students and teachers in America's schools who face discrimination based on their real or perceived sexual orientations and gender identities. This entry summarizes civil rights statutes and policies and discusses their impact on LGBTQ students and teachers.