Tech giant Apple has strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision to roll back federal protections for transgender students.
The company has released a statement that reads: “Apple believes everyone deserves a chance to thrive in an environment free from stigma and discrimination.
“We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals.
“We disagree with any effort to limit or rescind their rights and protections.”
President Obama had previously instructed federally funded schools to allow transgender students to use the bathroom matching their gender identity.
The guidelines had been put on hold while 13 US states—led by Texas—attempted to sue the Obama administration but the protections have now been completely rescinded by the current administration.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has been vocal in his opposition to President Trump’s policies, including the recent immigration ban.
“Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do," Cook said.
“Apple is open. Open to everyone, no matter where they come from, which language they speak, who they love or how they worship. Our employees represent the finest talent in the world, and our team hails from every corner of the globe.
“In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, ‘We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.’”
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has defended the decision saying: "Let me just say this issue was a very huge example of the Obama Administration's overreach to suggest a one-size fits all federal government approach, top down approach to issues that are best dealt with and solved at a personal level, at a local level.”
