DFER National President Shavar Jeffries Statement on Rollback of Transgender Guidance

February 22, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DFER National President Shavar Jeffries Statement on Rollback of Transgender Guidance

Washington, DC – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) National President Shavar Jeffries issued the following statement on the Trump administration rollback of protections for transgender students:

“We are deeply disturbed by the rollback of federal protections for transgender students. The federal government should maintain a strong role in protecting all students’ right to an excellent education – no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. Today’s actions by President Trump and Attorney General Sessions reverse Obama administration policies that sought to protect all students, and represent a direct attack on their civil rights. 

“Every student deserves an equal opportunity to learn without the fear of bullying and discrimination. The U.S. Department of Justice alongside the U.S. Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring students are treated fairly and equitably. 

“We hoped that the administration would work with schools and districts on the best path forward to help protect the civil rights of transgender students – not limit their access to school facilities based upon noxious stereotypes about their identity. The right to attend a school free from identity-based bullying or discrimination is a hallmark of the federal role in education. Today’s rollback is an unfortunate step away from this commitment.”  

###

Contact: Takirra Winfield Dixon — takirra@dfer.org, 202-854-9624