Lambda Legal Applauds Obama Endorsement of Student Non-Discrimination Act

Today, on GLSEN's National Day of Silence, the White House announced its support of the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA).

We applaud the Obama administration for endorsing this critical piece of legislation. We thank Sen. Al Franken, Rep. Jared Polis, Rep. Barney Frank and Rep. Tammy Baldwin and over 50 other current sponsors for their leadership on this bill and we urge Congress to pass it.

At Lambda Legal, we've encountered extraordinary cases of violence and discrimination against LGBT young people in schools—and sometimes against the allies who try to support them. The Student Non-Discrimination Act takes a big step toward a safer and healthier environment in every public school.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students have long been at a significant disadvantage without specific protection under federal law. All students have a right to a safe learning environment, and this law will leave no doubt as to public schools' responsibility to provide it.

To find out more about students' rights and to learn what you can do to help make schools safer, download Lambda Legal's Out, Safe & Respected toolkits for students and for parents and educators.