Statement from TLDEF Executive Director Michael Silverman
“Like all students, transgender students thrive when they can be themselves in school. That includes playing on sports teams and using bathrooms and locker rooms that match who they truly are as boys and girls. This legislation would harm transgender students who are already vulnerable to bullying and other harassment. It is wrong and it is illegal. It violates Title IX’s anti-discrimination provisions as interpreted by the United States Departments of Justice and Education.
“These Minnesota bills come on the heels of similar Kentucky legislation that singles out transgender students for bias, as well as proposed bills in Texas and Florida that would make it a crime for transgender people to use restrooms consistent with who they are. This is a disturbing trend that must be stopped. Transgender people deserve the same opportunities to participate fully in schools and society at large without fear of discrimination. This legislation will only cause hardship for transgender children and adolescents and we hope that it is defeated.”