Provo: Mormon university under investigation
NBC News reported January 21 on the US Department of Education's civil rights investigation into the LGBTQ dating ban at Brigham Young University. The Utah-based school withdrew its written ban on "homosexual behavior" in 2020 but later clarified that same-sex dating was still prohibited. While heterosexual couples are also punished for holding hands or kissing, the complaint that sparked the investigation claims that same-sex couples face harsher discipline for the same acts.

University spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said in a statement that BYU has the right to enforce the policies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which runs the school, and that she doesn't expect further legal action. The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights acknowledges that BYU has some religious exemptions. The investigation will evaluate whether or not the complaint falls under those exemptions or not.

Washington, DC: Report calls for stronger action from Biden
On January 20, The Advocate published a report on the Biden administration's progress on LGBTQ+ issues. Sharon McGowan, Lambda Legal chief strategy officer and legal director, acknowledged the "tall task to reverse four years of damage done by the Trump administration," and the progress the Biden administration has made so far, but also said it hasn't been enough.

The report shows that underrepresentation remains an issue in the federal judiciary, and recommends the administration focus on appointing more LGBTQ+ judges. Praise for Biden's lifting of Trump's ban on Transgender people in the military was tempered by calls for legislation to prevent such bans in the future.

The report also called for a more "staunch defense of Trans and noncomforming kids," and for the administration to prioritize protecting voting rights, Black Trans women, and the rights of Trans people in federal custody, as well as updating HIV-related policies.