Our new survey of 84 LGBTQ+ college faculty finds that anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws have negatively impacted what they teach, how they interact with students, their research on LGBTQ+-related issues, and how out they are on campus and in their communities. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of the study participants said the current environment has taken a toll on their mental health, and over one-quarter (27%) said it has affected their physical health.

As a result of anti-DEI laws, about half of the LGBTQ+ faculty surveyed (48%) have explored moving to another state, and 20% have actively taken steps to do so. One-third (36%) have considered leaving academia altogether.

In the past week, the Biden administration issued two final rules that strengthen protections from discrimination for LGBTQ people. On April 26, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule that restores and expands LGBTQ protections from discrimination in health care under the Affordable Care Act, citing our transgender population estimates and research on the costs and benefits of providing transition-related health care in employee health benefit plans.

Days later, on April 29, the Administration for Children and Families, finalized a policy that bolsters protections for youth in foster care by requiring state child welfare agencies to ensure that LGBTQ children have access to specially designated foster care placements. The final rule cites our research assessing the disproportionality and disparities among LGBTQ youth in foster care in Los Angeles.

On May 8, Ari Shaw, Senior Fellow and Director of International Programs at the Williams Institute, will join a panel discussion at the 27th Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills. The panel, The Role of Companies for LGBTQ+ Rights, will discuss the role corporations play in LGBTQ+ rights around the world. Ari will discuss findings from our research that shows how LGBTQ+ acceptance is associated with a country’s level of democracy and economic viability.

The Williams Institute is seeking a Judicial and Legal Education Director & Scholar to lead the Institute’s educational programming for judges, lawyers, law students, and the public. The Director will also be responsible for running three of the Institute’s premier annual programs: the Williams Institute Moot Court Competition, the Dukeminier Awards Journal, and the Institute’s Annual Update Conference. After the second year in the position, the Director will teach a course at UCLA Law focused on sexual orientation, gender identity, and the law.

Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024

The Williams Institute is looking for an experienced scholar who specializes in LGBTQIA+ people and issues to join our team as a Scholar of Public Policy. The Scholar will be responsible for conducting original research, supervising and supporting early career staff, and engaging with a variety of stakeholders. Applicants who use intersectional and community-based approaches in their research are encouraged to apply.

Deadline to apply: July 9, 2024

Join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a celebration of the incredible impact of Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. 

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law is an academic research institute dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.