Friday, February 23, 2017, New York, NY – President Trump has announced that it will not enforce Title IX protections to support transgender students in schools. The intent of Title IX is to provide a safe and supportive educational environment for all students regardless of gender. In May of 2016, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education clarified that sex discrimination based on gender identity and expression is prohibited in all educational programs and activities. Unfortunately, the Trump administration has decided to rescind the federal protections against discrimination of transgender students.
Transgender students will no longer have the support and enforcement of the federal government. We call on the Trump Administration to immediately affirm that Title IX protects transgender students’ access to education unfettered by discrimination.
“All students deserve access to an education free from stigma and discrimination”—stated Luis Scaccabarrozzi, Senior Director of Health Policy & Advocacy at the Latino Commission on AIDS.
The decision by the Trump Administration to rollback this critical protection puts transgender youth at even greater risk of bullying and other forms of discrimination. Stigma and discrimination are well known factors that increase individuals’ vulnerability. Transgender people are disproportionately affected by many challenges which adds to the importance of prohibiting all forms of discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.
“Latino Commission on AIDS will work with our national and local community partners to challenge this decision and to further advance the rights of transgender people. We must remain alert, organize, advocate and resist any decision that affects the health and wellbeing of our communities.”—stated Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS and founder of the Hispanic Health Network.
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