New York Teachers Deplore Trump Plan to Drop Transgender Bathroom Rule

President Trump is expected to reverse his predecessor's guidelines for schools regarding transgender students' rights, and the New York State's teachers union called the plan "shameful."

Trump's decision is a change from his stance on the campaign trail.

New York State United Teachers today issued a statement in reaction to the announcement that federal protections for transgender students would be removed.

Transgender students in New York and elsewhere should be able to learn and live freely, knowing they are protected by their federal government from discrimination and bullying. The State Education’s Department widely praised guidance for school districts released in 2015 was a much-needed road map and has been helpful in fostering civility and providing space for all students to thrive. Unfortunately, many states have lagged far behind. In planning to rescind federal guidance protecting transgender students, the new administration is saying to this group of students, ‘Protecting you against harassment and abuse is not one of our priorities.’ That is shameful and a call to action for all New York educators. Teachers and school-related professionals in New York’s public schools must – and will – continue to fight for all students, especially those transgender and LGBTQ students who want nothing more than a safe and supportive educational environment as they live their lives.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who said Wednesday afternoon that action on the issue is expected as early as today, stressed that since the campaign, Trump has seen the issue as a states rights issue and not one for the federal government.

President Obama's Justice Department had issued guidelines declaring that transgender students would be covered by Title IX, the law protecting students from discrimination on the basis of sex. The department directed any school that receives federal funds to allow transgender students to use the bathroom matching their gender identity.

SEE: Donald Trump: Transgender People Should Use Whatever Bathroom They Choose

By Cody Fenwick and Lanning Taliaferro (Patch Staff)

Photo credit: Sara D. Davis/Getty Images News/Getty Images