On Wednesday, the Trump administration sent a letter to US schools revoking the landmark guidance to public schools letting transgender students use the bathrooms of their choice, undoing the work of former President Barack Obama.
Last May, Obama instructed schools to ensure that transgender children had the right to use the bathroom of their choice. Whilst this was not legally binding, the former Democrat President threatened state funding if schools failed to comply.
Trump’s argument on the issue is that public schools should have the authority to make their own decisions without federal interference.
“We all know that Donald Trump is a bully, but his attack on transgender children today is a new low,” said Rachel Tiven, chief executive of Lambda Legal, which advocates for LGBT people.
In response to the decision, about 200 people gathered in front of the White House, waving rainbow flags and chanting: “No hate, no fear, trans students are welcome here.”
General Eric Schneiderman, New York Attorney, made clear his position on the matter and has vowed to fight Trump on his decision.
“President Trump’s decision to rescind anti-discrimination protections for transgender students is yet another cruel move by an administration committed to divisive policies that roll back the clock on civil rights,” he said in a statement.
Trump’s reversal of the landmark guidance has gone down well among some Republican figures.
“Our fight over the bathroom directive has always been about former President Obama’s attempt to bypass Congress and rewrite the laws to fit his political agenda for radical social change,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
It was seen as a positive change among those who felt girls would not be safe using bathrooms with anatomical males.
“Our daughters should never be forced to share private, intimate spaces with male classmates, even if those young men are struggling with these issues,” said Vicki Wilson, a member of students and parents for privacy. “It violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity.”
President Trump’s decision has caused backlash across the internet, with many high-profile celebrities against the move.
