A former superintendent in New Jersey is suing schools for discrimination, LGBTQ seniors in California face health challenges, and a new law in Ohio restricts restroom use for trans students.
Former Superintendent Sues Schools Over Anti-LGBTQ Bias
Former superintendent John Berenato filed a lawsuit against the Manchester Township School District in Ocean County, alleging he was wrongfully fired because of his identity as a gay man.
According to Out In Jersey, Berenato said the Manchester Board of Education pushed a targeted effort to oust him due to his sexual orientation. This is one of three pending cases that accuse the district of violating New Jersey’s anti-discrimination laws.
The three lawsuits claim the district is fostering a culture of bias and intolerance, further supported by the religious beliefs of conservative board members and parents in the district.
LGBTQ Seniors Face Health Challenges
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A new survey shows that LGBTQ seniors in California are facing mental, physical and cognitive challenges, according to The Bay Area Reporter.
The survey is the first one of its kind the state has conducted. These issues were most prevalent among LGBTQ seniors of color and older transgender adults.
The results also showed that 86% of the 4,037 older LGBTQ adults surveyed classified their quality of life as “high.”
However, more people of color (18%) and trans individuals (22%) classified their quality of life as “fair” or “poor” quality of life.
New Law Restricts Restroom Use For Trans Students
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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation that will prevent trans students from utilizing school restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity, The Hill reported.
The law requires students in K-12 public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities, to separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations by the sex listed on their original birth certificate. It will take effect in about three months.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio had opposed the legislation and encouraged DeWine to veto it. Now, the group said on social media that it is “closely considering next steps.”
“Transgender people are part of the fabric of Ohio; our families, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods,” the ACLU of Ohio said. “Every Ohioan deserves the freedom to be loved, to be safe, to be trusted with decisions about health care and to access the facilities that align with their gender identity. We will not leave anyone behind.”
Ohio Republican Reps. Adam C. Bird and Beth Lear, the sponsors of the original House bill, showed support for the governor’s decision on social media.
“We are thankful that individuals will not have to worry about the opposite sex coming into the restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms,” Bird wrote.
