Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.Res.168 - Supporting the goals and ideals of the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative, a call to action to communities across the United States to demand equal educational opportunity, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, particularly LGBTQI+ young people, in K–12 schools. (119th Congress)

Summary

S.Res.168 expresses support for the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative. The resolution calls for equal educational opportunities, civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for LGBTQI+ students in K-12 schools. It highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ youth, including bullying, discrimination, and discriminatory legislation.

Expected Effects

If passed and implemented, this resolution could lead to increased awareness and support for LGBTQI+ students. It may also encourage states and localities to adopt more inclusive policies. However, it could also face resistance from those who oppose LGBTQI+ rights or believe that these issues should be handled at the state or local level.

Potential Benefits

  • Promotes a more inclusive and accepting school environment for LGBTQI+ students.
  • Could lead to reduced bullying, harassment, and discrimination against LGBTQI+ youth.
  • May improve the mental health and well-being of LGBTQI+ students.
  • Encourages states and localities to adopt policies that protect LGBTQI+ students.
  • Supports the principle of equal educational opportunity for all students.

Potential Disadvantages

  • May face opposition from individuals or groups who hold differing views on LGBTQI+ rights.
  • Could lead to increased political polarization and division.
  • Some may argue that these issues are best addressed at the state or local level, rather than through federal action.
  • Concerns about parental rights and involvement in education may arise.
  • Potential for unintended consequences or challenges in implementation.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with constitutional principles of equal protection and individual liberties, particularly as interpreted through the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment ensures equal protection under the law, which can be argued to extend to LGBTQI+ students facing discrimination in schools. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, which is relevant to discussions about censorship and erasure of LGBTQI+ topics in education.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).