The following is a statement from LGBT and HIV Project Director John Knight regarding the U.S. Education and Justice Departments Title IX guidance for transgender students:
Today is a good day for all students across Illinois and across the nation and especially students who are transgender. The U.S Education and Justice Departments today made it crystal clear that schools must fully integrate transgender students into all aspects of school life under federal law and treat them fairly. This Guidance will assist school officials throughout our state by making it clear that transgender students are fully protected from discrimination or segregation.
The guidance also makes clear that the “discomfort” of other students is not a reason to deny students who are transgender access to bathrooms and locker rooms. We have heard that specious argument by some in the Chicago area of late so it is good to see the federal government forcefully reject it.
Read more:
- Read more about the Title IX guidance: Helping Schools Ensure the Civil Rights of Transgender Students
- Statement: ACLU action in lawsuit against District 211 regarding transgender student access
- Chicago Tribune: ACLU to intervene in lawsuit over locker room access for transgender student
- Blog Post: Taunting transgender children is off limits
