Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced its withdrawal of President Obama's 2016 guidance to ensure transgender students have equal access to schools and school facilities. This guidance formalized over a decade of court decisions that found that Title IX and other sex discrimination laws included protections for transgender people. Among other school groups, it was supported by the American School Counselors Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Association of Secondary School Principals.
"President Trump striking down crucial protections for transgender students is cruel and unacceptable. This guidance, implemented by President Obama, ensured that schools understood their obligation to provide equal access to school facilities for transgender students. Like all children, transgender kids just want to be safe and happy in school. President Trump clearly has no interest in protecting the rights of the transgender, lesbian, gay and bisexual community. His actions today are heartless and will be harmful to many young Americans who should be cherished and protected, not victimized and insulted."