At the beginning of 2025, the Census Bureau relaunched the Household Pulse Survey as the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey (HTOPS). HTOPS aims to continue providing data on the social and economic impact of national events on U.S. households, including various population subgroups. 

In March, scholars from the Williams Institute submitted a public comment on proposed data collections for upcoming HTOPS. The comment provides social science studies showing how sexual orientation and gender identity data collection aligns with the Census Bureau's goals of assessing the impact of events on subpopulations of Americans.

The Williams Institute awards the Gleason/Kettel Summer Law Fellowship to a law student or recent law school graduate who will receive a stipend of up to $6,000 to work in the field of sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.

The Gleason/Kettel Summer Law Fellowship is committed to inspiring law students to pursue careers in sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy and to identifying the next generation of leaders committed to promoting rights and equity for the LGBT community. Through the fellowship, students gain experience and insight into the field and provide much-needed support to various organizations and scholars. Fellows must spend at least ten weeks at their placements.

Deadline to apply: May 4, 2025

Congratulations to Noah Martin and Gabrielle Sheets from Michigan State University College of Law for winning the Williams Institute's 19th Annual Moot Court Competition held at UCLA School of Law on April 4. 

The MSU College of Law team competed in the final round against students from the University of New Mexico School of Law. The case focused on the rights of an asexual school librarian under Title VII and the First Amendment, with the MSU team advocating for the respondent.

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2025 Annual Gala last Saturday evening! Your support is vital to ensure that our rigorous, independent research continues to inform laws and policies impacting the well-being of LGBTQ communities.

Congratulations again to our honorees Niecy Nash-Betts, Admiral Rachel Levine, and the law firm of Selendy Gay. Special thanks to Jessica Betts, Ava DuVernay, and Lindsey Horvath for making the night so special.

The Williams Institute's annual DC Spring Reception will feature a panel discussion on the evolving landscape of LGBTQ law and policy with Victor Madrigal-Borloz, Jocelyn Samuels, and Reggie Greer. 

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.