GLSEN Responds to 7th Circuit Ruling Protecting Transgender Youth

GLSEN Responds to 7th Circuit Ruling

PRESS CONTACT:

Cathy Renna 917-757-6123 cathy@targetcue.com

New York, NY (May 31, 2017) – In response to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling affirming the rights of a transgender high school student, Ash Whitaker, to use the bathroom that matches his gender identity, GLSEN's Director of Public Policy, Nathan Smith, released the following statement: 

“This ruling justly affirms the rights of transgender students to attend school free from discrimination. The court’s message to schools, school districts, and states is clear: you must protect transgender and gender-nonconforming students from discrimination and provide an educational environment in which they can thrive. No child should be denied that right, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ability or economic status. GLSEN was deeply disappointed and concerned by the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the Title IX guidance which encouraged schools to protect transgender students. Today's decision is a legal vindication of the very need for that guidance. As we have said for some time, federal protections -- including Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment -- apply to all Americans, regardless of gender identity.”

 

About GLSEN

GLSEN champions safe and affirming schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach tens of thousands of K-12 schools across the United States, and our network of chapters brings GLSEN’s expertise to their local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact have won support for our work at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research and educator training programs, please visit glsen.org.