White House: Trump Says Transgender Students’ Rights Are a ‘States Rights Issue’ (Video)
Chilling Conclusion
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says President Donald Trump believes the right of transgender students to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity is a “states rights issue.” Asked about a report published by the Washington Blade that says the president has signed off on issuing new guidance to all public schools that effectively rescinds the Obama era guidance on protecting transgender students, Spicer acknowledged only that the Departments of Justice and Education are looking at doing so.
“The president has maintained for a long time that this is a states’ rights issue,” Spicer told Washington Blade Chief White House Correspondent Chris Johnson at Tuesday afternoon’s daily briefing,” and not one for the federal government.”
The Press Secretary also suggested they look to the president’s previous remarks on the issue to determine where he will land. Trump has been all over the map on the rights of transgender people, including which restroom they can use.
Spicer also said there would be further guidance coming from the Justice Dept. on the issue, including both an executive order and “the case that’s in front of the Supreme Court,” referring to Virginia’s Gavin Grimm.
The Obama guidelines are directed at protecting transgender students and helping schools create policies that will support transgender children and their civil rights.
Spicer on transgender bathroom guidance: The President maintains that “this is a states’ rights issue” https://t.co/kaE9HxyBRa
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) February 21, 2017
UPDATE I: 2:35 PM EST –
ACLU attorney Chase Strangio:
.@PressSec lacks understanding of the diff types of exec action. Also, federal civil rights laws are not states’ rights issues by definition https://t.co/7k1oMF2Q8O
— Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio) February 21, 2017
Executive Director National Center for Transgender Equality:
Shame on @realdonaldtrump. @seanspicer is simply and dangerously wrong. Enforcing federal laws is a federal duty. https://t.co/vidHj5O5RQ
— Mara Keisling (@MaraKeisling) February 21, 2017
Lambda Legal Director of Fair Courts Project:
So, a trans person’s basic right to exist is a “states rights issue”? https://t.co/qolk53N6GA
— Eric Lesh (@EDLesh) February 21, 2017
Â
To comment on this article and other NCRM content, visit our Facebook page.
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.