Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Education, will participate in a panel discussion examining bullying, harassment and other issues impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. The event will take place at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Second Annual Time to THRIVE Conference Saturday in Portland, Oregon.
Lhamon will join representatives from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services on a panel addressing the government’s work to confront issues such as bullying and harassment, school discipline and gender identity discrimination under Title I. Title IX bars discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
In October 2014, Office for Civil Rights announced a resolution agreement with a California school district to resolve a complaint about harassment and discriminatory treatment of a transgender student.
The Time to THRIVE conference will bring together advocates, educators and youth to discuss issues affecting LGBT young people. It aims to promote safety, inclusion and well-being for LGBT youth everywhere. The forum is being sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in partnership with the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association.