The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice—in the courts, in public policy, and in our society.
State Attorneys General to Trans Students: “We’ve Got Your Back”
The beginning of a school year can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. For trans students and their families, this anxiety is often compounded by concerns about safety and rights.
Please know this: you are not alone. We brought together attorneys general from across the country to send a clear, unified message: We see you. You belong here. And we will fight for you.
Their offices are actively working to hold schools accountable to federal and state laws designed to keep every student safe from discrimination and harassment. Many states have robust protections for trans youth, and you may have stronger legal rights than you realize.
Watch the full statement of support from the coalition of attorneys general.
More Information
If you have faced discrimination in school and wish to learn more about your rights or how to file a complaint, NWLC’s Legal Network for Gender Equity might be able to help.
If you are in one of the following states, please look below for whom to contact for support:
California
California law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints are handled by the California Department of Education. For more information, visit Attorney General Bonta’s website.
Delaware
Delaware law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints are handled by the Delaware Division of Human and Civil Rights. For more information, visit Attorney General Jennings’s website.
Maryland
Maryland law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints can be filed with the Maryland State Department of Education. For more information, visit Attorney General Brown’s website.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints are handled directly by the Attorney General’s office. For more information, visit Attorney General Campbell’s website.
Michigan
Michigan law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints are handled by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. For more information, visit Attorney General Nessel’s website.
Minnesota
Minnesota law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints are handled by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. For more information, visit Attorney General Ellison’s website.
New York
New York law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints are handled by the New York State Division of Human Rights. For more information, visit Attorney General James’s office.
Oregon
Oregon law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints are handled by the Oregon Department of Education. For more information, visit Attorney General Rayfield’s website.
Vermont
Vermont law protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Student complaints are handled by the Vermont Human Rights Commission. For more information, visit Attorney General Clark’s website.
All students across the country are protected from sex-based discrimination under federal law.
For more information on other state laws protecting LGBTQ+ students, visit the Movement Advancement Project’s website.
