PLUS: You're invited to our NYC Fall Salon!


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# NEW RESEARCH



# Scholars file amicus brief with the Supreme Court in Catholic preschool case


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On August 24, Williams Institute scholars, represented by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, filed a
friend of the court brief ([link removed])with the Supreme Court in St. Mary's Catholic Parish v. Lisa Roy. The case concerns Colorado's universal preschool program, which requires all participating schools--religious and secular--to follow the state's nondiscrimination policy. St. Mary's Catholic Parish requested an exemption to allow it to exclude LGBT children and children of LGBT parents, which was denied. The parish sued, claiming the requirement violated its First Amendment right to religious freedom.

The brief estimates the number of people affected by discrimination against LGBT families in publicly funded religious preschools. It details the harms and hardships that stigma imposes on children and parents in LGBT families. In addition, it explains that Colorado's requirements do not exclude Catholic preschool programs based on their religious exercise. Instead, they serve a compelling interest in protecting children and parents from the harmful consequences of state-sanctioned exclusion of LGBT families from these schools.


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# Transgender study participants in Memphis describe harms from criminal justice system

Our
new study ([link removed]), in partnership with the University of Memphis, explores the lived experiences of transgender people in Memphis who have interacted with police and the broader criminal legal system.

The study draws on focus groups and interviews with transgender people in Memphis who have experience in sex work or had contact with the criminal legal system. Many participants reported that police often assumed they were involved in sex work based solely on appearance or gender presentation. Many also described verbal, physical, and sexual abuse during interactions with law enforcement.

Gender identity also shaped experiences in incarceration. Participants described routine denial of gender-affirming care, restrictions on gender expression, and confiscation of gender-affirming items as sources of significant psychological harm.


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# UPCOMING EVENTS



You're invited to the 2026 NYC Fall Salon on Tuesday, September 29. Sponsored by UBS and Calamos Investments and co-hosted by Eric Berger and Todd Sears, the evening will feature a discussion of current issues in LGBTQ law and policy, followed by a cocktail reception.
RSVP today ([link removed])!


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# WILLIAMS NEWS



# We're hiring! Join our team

UCLA School of Law

Director of Development

We are seeking an experienced and energetic development professional passionate about advancing the mission of the Institute. The Director of Development will be responsible for leading the Williams Institute's corporate and individual giving programs, including events, gift solicitation, public and private grants, donor cultivation, program endorsement, development operations, and management of support staff. This position supervises a team of four full-time staff and is based in Los Angeles at UCLA.

Deadline to apply: October 4, 2026


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Assistant Director of Grant and Finance Administration

We are looking for an Assistant Director of Grant and Finance Administration to provide a broad range of professional financial and operational services to the Institute -- including budgeting, financial management and reporting, forecasting, contractual services, payroll, management of the contract and grant process, and overseeing the hiring process. This position supervises two staff positions and is based in Los Angeles at UCLA.

Deadline to apply: August 28, 2026


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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.


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