NBJC Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to Rescind Federal Guidance to Protect Transgender Students
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS, released the following statement from Isaiah R. Wilson, Director of External Affairs, in response to the move today by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education to rescind federal guidance from the Obama Administration that protected transgender students in our nation’s schools under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972:
“The decision by the Trump Administration to rescind federal guidance that outlines the responsibilities of schools to protect transgender youth under Title IX is shameful and contrary to American values.
“The guidance issued last year by the Obama Administration clarified for the first time that Title IX’s prohibition of sex discrimination in our nation’s schools extends to transgender and gender nonconforming youth. With this decision today, our government is telling transgender youth that they are not welcome in their own schools or due an education where they are affirmed and respected. When we rollback protections for transgender students like the right to use the restroom of the gender they identify with, we are further isolating this vulnerable group of young people who already face record levels of depression, suicide and other mental health challenges.
“NBJC strongly rejects the Trump Administration’s position that this is an issue that should be reserved for the states to decide. Just like voting rights or marriage equality, this is a civil rights issue and implores our federal government to stand up and protect the most vulnerable in our society when states lack the political will to do so.
“This action flies in the face of the rich history and precedent of the federal government to ensure that all students receive an education free of discrimination. The Supreme Court will take up a landmark case next month that will ultimately determine whether or not transgender students are covered under Title IX. We must now focus our fight with the courts to keep in check this increasingly anti-equality Administration and preserve the civil rights of all people, including transgender and gender nonconforming youth.”