Gay Student Denied Use Of University Laptop Because Of His Lifestyle

Gay Student Denied Use Of University Laptop Because Of His Lifestyle

A Florida college student who attempted to check out a school laptop has the community talking after he says he was denied access to the laptop by one of the university librarians because of his gay lifestyle.

Think Progress

Florida Atlantic University senior Abdul Asquith was trying to get some studying done at the campus library this past Wednesday, but when he attempted to check out a laptop, he was told that he could not because of his gender presentation:

“She looked down at the ID, and said, “You sound, look, and act like a girl and in this ID is a man, therefore I’m not giving you a laptop.” […] It looks just like me. I identify with my ID. I wasn’t there dressed up. I didn’t have on dress. I wasn’t dressed in character.

Though Asquith admits he sometimes wears feminine clothes, on this particular day he was wearing shorts and a hoodie and had his hair pulled back. He identifies as a gay man, but this would constitute discrimination based on his perceived gender identity, demonstrating how comprehensive nondiscrimination protections are important for all communities.

Asquith was finally able to use a laptop for his studies, but only after he asked three different librarians.

Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinions, but this student’s lifestyle should have absolutely no bearing on whether not he’s allowed to use school property like any other enrolled student. SMH.

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