In Live Facebook and YouTube Interview President Talks About Concerns for Children: ‘They’re Vulnerable.’
President Barack Obama showed concern for transgender students Monday afternoon by expressing support and saying they are “vulnerable.” In a live interview with Buzzfeed’s Chris Geidner, the president explained his administration is suing North Carolina and issued a sweeping directive to all public schools because “I think it’s part of our obligation as a society to make sure everybody is treated fairly and our kids are all loved and protected.”
“We’re talking about kids,†the president went on to say. “Anybody who has been in school, in high school, who has been a parent should realize that kids who are sometimes in the minority, kids who have a different sexual orientation or are transgender are subject to a lot of bullying, potentially. They’re vulnerable.â€
“I think it is part of our obligation as a society to make sure that everybody is treated fairly and kids are all loved, and they’re protected, and that their dignity is affirmed.”
The new directive says transgender students cannot be discriminated against, and specifies that they must be treated equally and with dignity. It also specifies that transgender students must be allowed to use the restroom and other areas, including locker rooms, that correspond with their gender identity.Â
In fact, he repeated that belief in today’s White House interview, telling Geidner, “it is our view you should try to treat these kids with dignity.â€
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Image: Screenshot via Buzzfeed/YouTube