UCB 1st Annual Pacific Islander Higher Education Recruitment Program: Mufi O: Hyphening it up for higher education (July 26 & 27)

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Anti-Discrimination in High Schools

While SAFEHS focuses on issues of human slavery, we value human rights at all levels -- including anti-discrimination work that impacts queer youths who are also vulnerable to multiple forms of violence.

I received this through a list-serv and feel that its important to share some of the work that is going on to protect Queer youth.

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For nearly three years Nancy W. went to extreme measures to protect herself at high school. Fearing for her safety, she stopped using the school restroom, and avoided the hallways by walking outside between classes. On an almost daily basis she was tormented at school – verbally harassed by other students who threw bottles and other objects at her, pushed her down a flight of stairs, stole her books - and on one occasion urinated in her book-bag! After repeatedly reporting these incidents to the school’s administration and being ignored, Nancy was forced to leave school in the middle of her Junior year. Nancy faced all of this because she’s a lesbian.

Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on Nancy’s behalf based on a state law that prohibits sexual orientation discrimination in schools. Lambda Legal is fighting a battle against discrimination for Nancy and for other LGBTQ students around the country, and they need our help to win cases like these! You can start by going to: http://go.care2.com/e/sAzw/ku63/_cR4

This anti-discrimination case is only one example of the many cases on which Lambda Legal is currently working. Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

In 1996, Lambda Legal won a case similar to Nancy W's. The landmark victory of Nabozny vs. Podlesny created a ripple effect around the country, holding schools nationwide accountable when they fail to protect their students from anti-gay harassment. Without the donations of people like you, these precedent-setting victories would not be possible. To support Lambda Legal's work, donate today at: http://go.care2.com/e/sAzw/ku63/_cR4

Discrimination in the workplace can be as harmful as discrimination at school. Did you know that only 17 states and the District of Columbia have laws protecting gay and lesbian employees from discrimination, or that only nine states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination based on gender identity? Nancy's case brings relief and protection not only to her, it also brings hope to the many LGBT people who are facing harassment at work or school across the country. One case can change thousands of lives. That's impact, and that's what Lambda Legal does.

Support Lambda Legal today >>

Every day, throughout the country, Lambda Legal is making the case for equality at home, at school, at work – wherever discrimination occurs. Whether it’s making a future with your partner, protecting your loved ones or making the grade at school, Lambda Legal leads the fight so all of us – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, people with HIV and allies - can live our lives and pursue our dreams without having to face barriers because of who we are.

Help Lambda Legal fight for full equality across the nation. Lambda Legal’s work ultimately benefits all people, because it helps build a society that is truly diverse and fair – so it is up to all of us to help them fulfill their important mission. Thank you for giving generously!