The following information is produced by the ACLU of Oregon for educational purposes only. This is not intended to be and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Students in Oregon public schools have the right not to be discriminated against based on gender identity. 

Oregon students have the right to use school facilities such as restrooms, locker rooms, and showers in a manner consistent with their gender identity.

You have the right not to be discriminated against based on your gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation in many areas of life in Oregon — including healthcare, schools, work, social services, and public spaces (such as restaurants, hotels, and shops).

What are the federal actions targeting trans students and diversity, equity, and inclusion?

A.What are the federal actions targeting trans students and diversity, equity, and inclusion?

A.

Federal actions attempting to roll back progress with diversity, equity and inclusion and participation are ongoing. The federal government is also trying to limit the ability of trans girls and women from participating in school sports. These discriminatory actions are being challenged in court. You can read more about these actions below.

Oregon anti-discrimination laws have not changed. As the Oregon Attorney General recently reaffirmed, efforts to seek and support diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible educational experiences for students are legal.

Learn about the Department of Education’s Dear Colleague Letter:

  1. Read the Oregon Attorney General’s GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS ON DEIA INITIATIVES IN RESPONSE TO THE DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER
     
  2. read the legal defense fund's response, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S ANTI-OPPORTUNITY “DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER”: WHAT SCHOOLS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW
     
  3. read the text of THE U.S. DEP’T OF EDUCATION DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER ON FEDERAL NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Learn more about the DEI and anti-trans sports Executive Orders: 

text of the EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TRANS GIRLS AND WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS 

text of the ANTI-DEI EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR K-12 SCHOOLS 

What is being done to challenge these federal actions?

A.What is being done to challenge these federal actions?

A.

Sports: On February 12, 2025, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the ACLU of New Hampshire amended their complaint in Tirrell v. Edelblut, 24-cv-251 (D.N.H.), an on-going case challenging New Hampshire's anti-trans sports ban, and added claims to challenge the anti-trans sports Executive Order. 

Read more here

DEI: On February 19, 2025 the National Urban League and other organizations filed a lawsuit challenging several Executive Orders impacting DEI. 

Learn more here

DEI: On March 5, 2025, the National Education Association (NEA) and the ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging the "Dear Colleage" letter. 

Learn more here

I’m a student in Oregon. What are my rights in school?

A.I’m a student in Oregon. What are my rights in school?

A.

Students in Oregon public schools have the right not to be discriminated against based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Further, Oregon public school students have the right to use school facilities such as restrooms, locker rooms, and showers in a manner consistent with their gender identity.

Explore the resources below for more specific Know Your Rights information for students in Oregon public schools.

ACLU of Oregon: 
Student Know Your Rights hub

LGBTQ+ Student Rights FAQ

Basic Rights Oregon: 
Youth and Education Resources

Oregon Department of Education: 
Gender Affirming Care resources

Frequently Asked Questions about Discrimination Complaint Processes in Oregon K-12 Public Schools
 

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