# Georgia Southern University LGBTQ+ rights lawsuit settlement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/georgia-southern-university-lgbtq-rights-lawsuit-settlement
> Updated: 2026-08-31T04:03:18.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Georgia Southern University and the Georgia Board of Regents have agreed to a $250,000 settlement to resolve a lawsuit filed by Gemma Skuraton, the university’s former director of student health and wellness promotion.

Skuraton alleged she was wrongfully terminated in July 2025 after advocating for transgender and nonbinary students. The dispute involved the university’s rejection of a grant to provide free chest binders, the removal of Pride flags, and the elimination of gender-affirming healthcare information from campus. The lawsuit claimed these actions violated her First Amendment and Title IX rights.

Under the settlement terms, the Georgia Department of Administrative Services will pay approximately $144,365 to Skuraton and $105,634 to her attorneys. Skuraton’s personnel file will be updated to reflect a voluntary resignation rather than a termination, and she will receive a neutral reference for future employment. The dispute was linked to shifts in university administration and state legislation, specifically SB1, which restricts transgender athletes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Georgia Southern settles LGBTQ+ rights lawsuit for $250,000

Georgia Southern University and the Georgia Board of Regents will pay $250,000 to settle a lawsuit with former employee Gemma Skuraton over her dismissal related to LGBTQ+ advocacy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-southern-settles-lgbtq-rights-lawsuit-for-250000

### 2026-08-27: Georgia settles lawsuit with former GSU director over LGBTQ+ advocacy

Georgia and Georgia Southern University will pay $250,000 to settle a lawsuit with former director Gemma Skuraton, who alleged she was fired for advocating for LGBTQ+ student resources.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-settles-lawsuit-with-former-gsu-director-over-lgbtq-advocacy

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Cite as: Georgia Southern University LGBTQ+ rights lawsuit settlement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/georgia-southern-university-lgbtq-rights-lawsuit-settlement
