Consumer Law
Federal Investigations Occuring After Allegations of Sexual Orientation Discrimination in Alabama High School
The federal Office for Civil Rights is investigating a parent’s complaint that her daughter, a Shelby County student, was discriminated against because of her sexual orientation during the 2020-21 school year.
A federal investigator called the case a “high profile” one, in that when it was opened in August 2020, it was the first time OCR would be investigating a case of discrimination solely based on a student’s sexual orientation.
While not the first time federal officials have investigated alleged discrimination of an LGBTQ student, the case marks the first time officials have used an expanded understanding of Title IX regulations that specifically protects students who are LGBTQ, according to OCR investigator Martin Chen.
