Education bill rewrite would protect gay students
By | Associated Press – 9 hrs ago- Associated Press/J. Scott Applewhite, File - FILE - In this March 22, 2013 file photo, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senate Democrats are introducing legislation
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- FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2013 file …
WASHINGTON (AP) — Buried in the proposed rewrite of the nation's massive education law are protections for gay and lesbian students that its supporters liken to the landmark 1972 protections for the rights of female athletes in high school and college.
Senate Democrats on Tuesday released a 1,150-page revision of the law governing the nation's elementary and secondary schools, formally known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Actbut more commonly called No Child Left Behind.
In it, they include student nondiscrimination language that, if passed, would threaten schools' funding if gay and lesbian students are bullied or harassed.
The supporters praised the language as similar to Title IX, the federal law chiefly known for mandating gender equity in high school and collegiate sports.
The legislation's text on gays and lesbians begins on Page 694 of the massive school bill.
"This is a significant moment for our nation's education system and one that addresses the vital needs of all students in K-12 schools," said Eliza Byard, executive director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. "We are thrilled that the Senate is moving to address the long overdue issue of school bullying and harassment. This bill includes critical components to ensure safer learning