Education Department Announces that it will Reject Transgender Student Bathroom Complaints

(Washington, D.C.)  Today, the U.S. Department of Education said that it will no longer investigate or take action on any complaints filed by transgender students who are not allowed to use restrooms that match their gender identity.  A year ago, the Department rescinded its guidance on transgender students that had been put into place under the Obama Administration in May, 2016. The guidance had clarified that transgender students should have a safe, nondiscriminatory environment and be able to use bathroom facilities consistent with their gender identify, like any other student.

The following is a statement by Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center:

“It’s inexcusable for the U.S. Department of Education to turn its back on the civil rights of transgender students once again. The Department’s responsibility is to make sure that every student feels safe at school in order to learn and thrive. But this new policy upends that role and sends a troubling message to all students:  the civil rights of some students will not be protected. The right to use the bathroom that matches your gender identity is part of a basic right to be yourself.”

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For immediate release: February 12, 2018
Contact:  Maria Patrick ([email protected]) or Olympia Feil ([email protected])