Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress Vice President for the LGBT Research and Communications Project Laura E. Durso issued the following statement after the Trump administration rescinded guidance clarifying protections for transgender students from discrimination in schools.
President Donald Trump and his administration have a duty to uphold the principle of equal access to education for all students, but instead, they’re choosing discrimination over basic civil rights.
No student should ever be denied the opportunity to learn because of their gender identity. The administration is sending the dangerous message that it will turn a blind eye to schools that violate transgender students’ rights under federal civil rights law. Transgender young people have the right to learn free from harassment and discrimination and the rescinded guidance was a tool that helped schools address that discrimination. A month into his presidency with little to show for it, Trump should be focused on creating opportunity for all Americans—not denying it to transgender youth. This shameful, irresponsible action serves no purpose but to harm students’ health, limit their opportunities for achievement, and deny them a fair shot to succeed in school.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.