Trump Administration Revokes Transgender Guidelines set by Obama

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Juan Palma, Writer

A guideline by Obama allowed transgender students to use the bathrooms of their choosing. Last Wednesday, the 45th President revoked this, causing a huge outrage. Last May, President Obama instructed schools to allow transgender students to use the bathroom that matches the gender they identify with. He also threatened to cut funding to the schools that do not comply. This was seen as a step forward for the civil rights of transgenders throughout the country.

The repealing of this monumental law caused outrage by many people, which was to be expected. Apple, the well-known tech company, said in a statement, “We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals.” Google also voiced their discontent with the executive order stating to Recode, “We’ve long advocated for policies that provide equal rights and treatment for all. We’re deeply concerned to see a roll-back in transgender students’ rights.” Apple and over 100 more companies signed a letter asking former governor Pat McCrory to attempt to repeal the law.

Popular tech companies weren’t the only ones to voice their opinions on the matter, politicians have also expressed their opinions. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has stated that “This move shows that President Trump cannot be trusted to defend the rights of LGBT Americans.” While the secretary of education, Betsy Devos, stated, “We owe all students a commitment to ensure they have access to a learning environment that is free of discrimination, bullying, and harassment.”