University of Utah : S.J. Quinney College of Law

LGBT Research & Advocacy

Course: Sexuality Gender & the Law (3 cr., graded, Fall) examines how law regulates sexuality and gender in the fields of criminal law, family law, constitutional law, and anti-discrimination law. Although we will consider the broader implications of laws governing sexuality and gender, we will focus on how such laws impact the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. Topics will include the criminalization of sexual activity, the regulation of sexually explicit speech, protections against discrimination in employment, rules governing the documentation of gender identity changes, prohibitions against same-sex marriage, and restrictions on gay and lesbian parenthood.

Placements:  (1 to 3 cr., P/F, Fall or Spring) There are two placements within the clinic.  Each placement offers slightly difference experiences.

• Equality Utah—Equality Utah is the state’s largest organization that advocates on behalf of LGBT civil rights. Students placed with Equality Utah will conduct legal research and perform related tasks in order to assist the organization in building coalitions, sponsoring and opposing legislative proposals, lobbying legislators and other officials, empowering others to engage the legislative process, and conducting advocacy trainings, forums, and topic briefings.  For more information, visit http://www.equalityutah.org.
• The Williams Institute at UCLA—The Williams Institute is a national research center on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy at the UCLA School of Law.  Students placed with the Williams Institute will assist in the development of research studies to support pending state and federal litigation and legislative initiatives to protect LGBT people from violence, harassment, and discrimination, and to secure marriage, parenting, and couples rights. In addition, students may support the development of continuing legal education materials for judges and lawyers.  For more information, visit http://www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute/home.html.

Faculty: Professor Clifford Rosky

Registration & Placement:  Students may enroll in the course online. Interested clinic students must complete a Clinical Program Application and submit the required documents with the application.  This is a limited-enrollment clinic. Placements are arranged by Professor Rosky in consultation with students. Once placed students will then be enrolled in the clinic.

LAW 7828-001: Sexuality, Gender & the Law   

   Fall: Wednesday & Thursday, 9:10 – 10:35 am

LAW 7951-001: LGBT Research Advocacy Clinic

   Fall or Spring (1 – 3 credits)