Salt Lake City School District May Be First In Utah To Ban Anti-Gay Discrimination

The Salt Lake Tribune (10/6, Winters) reported that Salt Lake City School Board on Wednesday "weighed an amendment that would add sexual orientation to the list of characteristics, such as race and religion, that would be illegal to use to target someone for harassment." If adopted, the amendment would make Salt Lake City public schools the first district in Utah "to ban discrimination" specifically "against gay students and employees." But Will Carlson, "an openly gay candidate for school board," argued that "the change doesn't go far enough," and "should also include gender identity so that transgender students and employees are protected." While some board members "supported the proposal as written," others said they are opposed "to expanding the district's policy to include another 'protected class.'" Still, the Tribune notes, "it appeared likely" on Tuesday that "the measure can secure a four-vote majority to pass."