RECOGNIZING INTERSEX AWARENESS DAY AND ANNOUNCING A NEW RESOURCE TO SUPPORT INTERSEX STUDENTS

October 26, 2021

 

Today, in recognition of Intersex Awareness Day, the Office for Civil Rights issued a fact sheet, Supporting Intersex Students: A Resource for Students, Families, and Educators.

Title IX protects all students, including intersex students, from sex discrimination. OCR recognizes that intersex students may face challenges to fully and equally participating in school.

The fact sheet lists key issues intersex students may face in schools, including bullying, harassment, or other discrimination related to their physical characteristics or because they do not conform to sex stereotypes. The resource offers suggestions on ways schools can best support intersex students, such as using inclusive language in school mission statements and affirming students’ rights to be free from all forms of sex discrimination at school. The fact sheet also includes steps to take if students believe that they, or others, have been discriminated against at school based on sex.

Today’s release builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s and OCR’s efforts to ensure equal educational opportunity for all students. We encourage you to read and share today’s fact sheet.

We hope this resource is helpful for students, educators, staff, and school leaders in raising awareness of the issues intersex students face and supporting their safety and well-being in school. For more information and resources, please see OCR’s Resources for LGBTQI+ Students.

Thank you for your partnership in these efforts as we work to ensure all students can thrive in safe and supportive school environments. 

 

Catherine E. Lhamon
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education