Last week, President Trump’s U.S. Departments of Education and Justice rescinded federal guidance released in May of 2016 which clarified that transgender students are protected under Title IX, an existing federal law that protects students from discrimination based on sex. This included protecting students rights in using public school restrooms that match their gender identity.”
As a national coalition of students, parents, educators, organizers and advocates, the Dignity in Schools Campaign (DSC) condemns the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the guidance.
As Lambda Legal clearly points out, “Trump’s actions do not change the law itself — transgender students remain protected by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 — but abandoning the guidance intentionally creates confusion about what federal law requires. The law bars discrimination — the new administration invites it.”
The DSC will continue to fight for the human rights of all students, especially our most vulnerable students. Transgender students’ civil rights are human rights.
You can read the following statements from our partners and allies from across the country who have been leading the fight for LGBTQ youth.
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.: Civil and Human Rights Community Condemns Rescission of Title IX Guidance Clarifying Protections for Transgender Students
GSA Network: Showing up for each other when the government won’t
Lambda Legal: Even for a Bully Like Trump, Attacking Children Is a New Low
