President Donald Trump rolled back protections for transgender students, which allowed them — in public schools — to use bathrooms of the gender with which they identify with.
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The New York Times reported that the directive initially led to a rift in the Trump administration, between Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who is worried about harm to transgender students, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has opposed expanding LGBTQ rights.
I consider protecting all students, including #LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the Department, but for every school in America.
— Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) February 23, 2017
Hours later, the Department of Education put out this strongly-worded statement. In part, it read:
"We have a responsibility to protect every student in America and ensure that they have the freedom to learn and thrive in a safe and trusted environment. This is not merely a federal mandate, but a moral obligation ..."
Now, the reversal of policy and move to undo protections for transgender students is trending online. Singer Jackie Evancho, who sang at the president's Jan. 20 inauguration, has a transgender sister.
. @realDonaldTrump u gave me the honor 2 sing at your inauguration. Pls give me & my sis the honor 2 meet with u 2 talk #transgender rghts ❤
— jackie evancho (@jackieevancho) February 23, 2017
Closer to home, Florida lawmaker Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democratic state representative for House District 49, tweeted this blunt reaction:
We were lied to. #Sayfie pic.twitter.com/yRDq4ydWJ9
— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) February 23, 2017
NPR reported on civil rights groups' collective concern that the directive would lead to adverse consequences.
Civil rights groups say they worry the new move could lead to bullying and violence against vulnerable transgender kids.
— NPR (@NPR) February 23, 2017
The White House stands by this change of policy, saying the decision belongs to the states.
“I’ve made this clear, and the president's made it clear throughout the campaign, that he's a firm believer in states' rights, and that certain issues like this are not best dealt with at the federal level," said White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer in a press conference Wednesday.