The Department of Justice has filed a request to undermine the Obama administration’s protections for transgender students, including their right to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.
On his second day in office, Attorney General Jeff Sessions withdrew a request to limit a federal judge’s injunction that blocked the federal government from implementing President Obama’s guidelines.
Obama’s administration cited the federal law Title IX which prohibits discrimination and ordered federally funded public schools and colleges to provide adequate facilities for transgender students.
Judge Reed O’Connor barred the transgender school policy at the request of Texas and twelve other states.
"After being on the job for less than 48 hours, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has signaled his intent to undermine the equal dignity of transgender students," said Griffin. "Transgender students are entitled to the full protection of the United States Constitution and our federal non-discrimination laws."
Griffin urged President Trump to reverse the decision.
"It is heartbreaking and wrong that the agency tasked with enforcing civil rights laws would instead work to subvert them for political interests," he said. "President Trump must immediately reverse course and direct the DOJ to uphold guidance protecting transgender students."
Texas is still currently considering a ‘bathroom ban’ that would prohibit transgender people from using the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.
It’s estimated that the state would lose $8.5 billion if the bill is passed, according to a study by the Texas Association of Business.
