The Trump government has reversed guidelines allowing for transgender students to use school restrooms that align with their gender identity.
Officials from the Education and Justice departments told the US Supreme Court that it will be neglecting memorandums issued by the Obama administration, stating that the prohibition of transgender students from facilities corresponding to their gender identity infringes on anti-discrimination laws.
Issuing a letter to public schools, the administration declared the existing memo failed to "contain extensive legal analysis" on the issue while failing to "undergo any formal public process" in creating the guidelines.
While offering no direct alternative, the report stated that the Trump administration will further consider the legal issues surrounding the matter, while inferring that the final decision would likely be decided on by "the states and local school districts in establishing educational policy."
LGBTQ groups have condemned the decision, fearing it marks a significant step back in gender equality.
Mara Keisling, the Executive National Director of the Center for Transgender Equality issued a statement on the organisation's website, expressing that it is a choice that will only further discrimination.
Gavin Grimm, a transgender male, who is fighting the US Supreme Court to be able to use the school bathroom that corresponds with his identity, stated that all he and other transgender students want is the capacity to enjoy school.
“Transgender students pose no threat to the safety or privacy of non-transgender students. We all just want to be able to do well and succeed in school while still being able to be ourselves,” Grimm said to MSN News.
“As a transgender student and thinking about transgender students everywhere, hearing that your presidential administration has gone out of its way just to further discriminate against you... it’s very upsetting and disappointing news.”
