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Know Your Rights: LGBTQ Rights in New York’s Schools (by nycluclips)

This video was made by the youth of the Teen Activist Project (TAP) at the New York Civil Liberties Union in collaboration with Extraneous Noise, a video production company. TAP set out to create this video in an attempt to combat bullying and empower New York’s LGBTQ students to know their rights.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth often face harassment and discrimination simply for being who they are. Just the thought of entering the school doors can be a nightmare for many students.

But the law requires school administrators and teachers to:

Protect LGBTQ students from bullying and harassment.

Treat LGBTQ students fairly and equally.

Respect LGBTQ students’ free speech and free expression rights.

Respect LGBTQ students’ privacy rights.

Unfortunately, many school officials don’t know enough about how the law requires them to protect LGBTQ students. That’s why it’s so important for youth to educate themselves about their legal rights and what they can do if their school isn’t treating them or other students fairly.

TAP into your rights. Empower yourself and your friends. Pass it on!

If you have questions about your rights in New York’s schools, contact the NYCLU, www.nyclu.org.