Illinois law is consistent and clear in protecting the rights of transgender students in public schools. Despite this fact, local school boards and school leaders periodically see their efforts to follow the law challenged by local voices. Here are some talking points that you can use to support trans students in your local school district.
- Allowing students to use the restroom facility consistent with their gender identity – is consistent with Illinois law.
- Schools across Illinois are following the state law – allowing students to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity – without any issue or controversy. While some argue against policies based on safety issues, the reality is that transgender students pose no risk to other students in our schools.
- School Boards should protect all students in the district, including transgender students.
- Our public schools have an obligation to ensure that the school’s policies protect privacy – but also treats all students equally. We should not allow fear of and discomfort with difference lead to policies that treat transgender students differently.
- The answer to someone else’s discomfort is not to force transgender students to use a restroom that does not conform to their identity.
- Transgender young people face staggeringly high rates of harassment, assault and suicide. School should not be a place where they are singled out for harassment.