An Assessment of the Law School Climate for GLBT Students

Abstract:     
Nationwide empirical research has assessed the law school climate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students. The research shows that the climate for GBLT students at most law schools in the United States, particularly those in urban areas, has improved. The research also shows, however, that this group still encounters substantial discrimination on law school campuses and in law school class¬rooms. This discrimination may result from overt acts, thoughtlessness, and/or neglect on the part of various actors in law school communities. Whatever the cause, the result is that many GLBT students feel disenfranchised from their broader law school communities. Nowhere is this result more telling than in stories of students who do not feel safe “coming out” on law school campuses and, in particular, in the stories of students who go back into the closet in law school. This article addresses the complex and sometimes sub¬tle discrimination faced by GLBT students, and provides proposals for law schools to address this discrimination.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 31

Keywords: Gay rights, sexual orientation, legal education, discrimination

Accepted Paper Series