WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), ranking member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, led committee Democrats urging Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to protect transgender students. The letter to DeVos is in response to President Trump’s order rescinding the guidance around protections put in place by President Obama.
“Civil rights are at the heart of having access to a quality education,” said Davis. “The federal government has a responsibility to protect these rights. Title IX protections have been very successful in guaranteeing equal access to education opportunities. While this decision doesn’t end Title IX protections, rolling back the proactive guidance issued by President Obama sends the wrong message.”
“If the Department of Justice remains resistant to generally protecting LGBTQIA students, we ask that you take concrete steps to at least ensure the safety of these students under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education,” the letter states. “We recommend that you convene groups of state and district leaders to discuss best practices for supporting transgender students, provide resources for school employees that detail how they can create inclusive environment, and highlight examples of schools that implement these best practices effectively.”
Davis also signed onto an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Gavin Grimm in his case against Gloucester County School Board.
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Preceding provided by Congresswoman Susan Davis