Kansas Laws and Polices on LGBT+ Rights

by Mj Garcia reporter

How Does The State Support LGBT People?

According to UCLA Williams Institute School of Law, as of January 2019, “Kansas does not have a statewide law that expressly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, or other areas.” Although there is no statewide law, UCLA also states that certain locali ties have created their own local ordinances that “prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations.” These areas include Kansas City/Wyandotte County, Lawrence, Manhattan, Prairie Village, and Roeland Park.

In addition to this, the same article UCLA states that “Public opinion in Kansas supports the passage of nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people.” This means there is a higher chance that statewide laws protecting LGBT people could be seen in the future, especially when considering the lack of obstacles presented, such as cost or paperwork and documentation.

LGBT Laws and Policies Affecting Students Teachers have been guided by the district to not call students by a preferred name and to instead call and report this to parents before compliance. However, “nickname” options are available within StudentVue and may be changed to anything with parental approval. Whether it is an entirely different name entered in this category or simply a variation of a student’s current name, there is nothing prohibiting a teacher from using that name for the student. Students also have the option to change their names in the yearbook to this nickname, as the yearbook does not serve as an official form of identification.

According to lgbtmap.org there are no laws prohibiting discrimination in schools, nor are there laws that might negatively affect these schools and their populace.

The Olathe South student handbook follows a similar pattern, stating that “The Olathe District Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admissions, access, treatment or employment, in its programs and activities.” There is no mention of prohibition of discrimination specifically against gender and/or sexual orientation. Thisdiffers from the district statement of non-discrimination, which adds the prohibition of discrimination against gender and/or sexual orientation. The handbook, available on the school website, can be accessed by students and guardians, and it is the one shown in advisory around the beginning of the year. This inconsistency could cause confusion amongst students about their rights and safeties, but as the handbook states, policies are subject to change.