Today I learned with dismay that the Trump White House has rescinded Federal Title IX rules allowing transgender youth to use the school bathroom of their gender identity. With all the problems in the world today, and with his own disorganized administration, our President still had the time to wrest away from some of our most vulnerable students the protections they deserve.
Even Education Secretary deVos, whom many say knows nothing about her new job, had the common sense to understand the potential tragedy of this shift. She initially opposed this change, but the President listened to Jeff Sessions, who wants to roll back civil rights to the 1950’s, and told Betsy to get in line. She did.
But she also pledged that the Department of Education will protect student rights, saying that the Office of Civil Rights remains committed to “investigating all claims of discrimination, bullying and harassment against those who are most vulnerable in our schools.”
Last year, the OUSD passed policies protecting transgender students, and assuring them a welcome and supportive environment at our schools. Regardless of the misguided and wrong approach of this federal administration, I remain fully committed to maintaining the protections we have put in place. All our students deserve a respectful and safe learning environment.
There are tough times ahead. We must stay strong, united, and active.
Shanahan for Ojai 