The Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) was introduced in the US House yesterday by Representative Jared Polis (D-CO). If enacted, the act would provide federal discrimination protection for students in public schools on the basis of perceived or actual sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The act would also protect students who are targeted because of their associations with LGBT individuals. The bill has 60 original cosponsors. In a statement, Polis said, “Every day innocent students fall victim to relentless harassment and discrimination from teachers, staff, and fellow students based on their sexual orientation. These actions not only hurt our students and our schools but, left unchecked, can also lead to life-threatening violence. Like Title VI for minorities in the ’60s and Title IX for women in the ’70s, my legislation puts LGBT students on an equal footing with their peers, so they can attend school and get a quality education, free from fear.” According to the Human Rights Campaign, SNDA was closely modeled after and is similar to Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all levels of education.
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