Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress Executive Vice President for External Affairs Winnie Stachelberg issued the following statement after South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard (R) vetoed a bill that discriminated against transgender students by prohibiting them from using appropriate restrooms at school.
Governor Daugaard has sided with compassion and reason with his veto of H.B. 1008, legislation that would have banned transgender students from using appropriate restrooms at school. It is clear that in meeting transgender people, the governor saw that they are worthy of respect, and his veto ensures that all students have the same opportunities to receive a safe and quality education. For the transgender South Dakota students who have had to witness their state legislators ridicule and mock them for political points, this nightmare has hopefully come to an end. We hope that the other states considering this discriminatory legislation will follow South Dakota’s lead and move on to measures that seek to expand opportunity for all students and families.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.