Us Congress Senate Bill SR134

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative, a call to action to communities across the country to demand equal educational opportunity, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, particularly LGBTQI+ young people, in K-12 schools.

Impact

If enacted, SR134 would not create new laws but aims to shift the attitudes and policies within state and local educational systems by encouraging the adoption of laws that prohibit bias-based victimization, exclusion, and erasure. By asserting the importance of an inclusive educational environment, the bill seeks to enhance the overall well-being and safety of LGBTQI+ youth in schools, potentially addressing systemic issues related to harassment and discrimination. The resolution acknowledges that a supportive school environment is essential for positive educational and life outcomes, especially for those students facing unique vulnerabilities.

Summary

SR134 is a resolution supporting the goals of the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative, which advocates for the equal educational opportunities, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, particularly those who are LGBTQI+. The bill calls upon communities to take action and demand that K-12 schools create inclusive and affirming environments for all students, with a particular focus on marginalized groups. This initiative is a response to a growing trend of legislation across various states that adversely affects LGBTQI+ youth, including restricting their rights and access to supportive educational resources.

Contention

Notably, the bill addresses recent legislative patterns in which numerous states have introduced or enacted laws that restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals, including limitations on gender-affirming care and educational content that relates to LGBTQI+ history and rights. Proponents of SR134 argue that such legislation damages the mental health of LGBTQI+ youth by fostering feelings of unacceptance and exclusion. The resolution emphasizes the need for legislative bodies to counteract this trend and to affirmatively support the rights and dignity of LGBTQI+ students, which could be seen as contentious in light of the polarized political climate surrounding LGBTQI+ issues.