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Sexual Orientation

In the landmark decision, Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, 140 S.Ct. 1731 (2020), the Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects gay and transgender workers from workplace discrimination.  

Sexual orientation is the preferred term used to describe a pattern of emotional, romantic and sexual attraction to another person.

Homosexuality is defined as the romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. Transgender generally refers to an individual whose gender identity differs from the sex the person was identified as having at birth.

Sexual orientation discrimination involves adverse treatment of a person (an applicant, employee, or student) because of that person's sexual orientation (gay, lesbian, bisexual); because that person is perceived to be gay, lesbian or bisexual; or because that person is associated with persons who are gay, lesbian or bisexual.

If you believe you have been subjected to sexual orientation discrimination or have witnessed sexual orientation discrimination, please contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at civilrights@ku.edu or file a report online.

Sexual Orientation Laws:

 LGBT Resources:

Civil Rights and Title IX

University of Kansas Medical Center
Office of Civil Rights and Title IX
Dole Human Development Center, Suite 1082
1000 Sunnyside Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66045
Phone: 785-864-6414
civilrights@ku.edu