Proposed 'Equality Act' ignites discussion of discrimination in public schools

Jun. 26—LA GRANDE — A federal bicameral proposal, co-led by Oregon's U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, asks to add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the list of protected classes under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In effect, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community would be banned in spaces that receive federal funding, including public schools, which members of the community say are areas of concern for the LGBTQ+ population in Union County.

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Nino Paoli is a reporter for The Observer. Contact him at npaoli@lagrandeobserver.com.