Governor Chris Sununu signed a bill Thursday to protect children from discrimination in New Hampshire public schools.
The new anti-discrimination law offers equal protection to all students regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion or national origin.
Federal anti-discrimination laws apply in schools, but this legislation will now allow discrimination lawsuits involving students to be tried in local courts.
Members of the Governor's Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion applauded the legislation, which came at their recommendation after holding listening sessions around the state.
Governor Sununu said in a statement that he plans to work with the Human Rights Commission and the Department of Justice to carry out these protections.