Statement on Withdrawal of Federal Protections for Transgender Students

Penn Law's LGBT community strongly condemns the Trump administration's recent withdrawal of protections for transgender students. We are deeply saddened and concerned for the safety of transgender youth in public schools and the attack this represents on the entire queer community.   

Transgender youth face higher levels of bullying, harassment, and suicide and drop out of school at an elevated rate. It is imperative that they receive the legal protections of Title IX which prohibits sex discrimination in education. Every child deserves the benefit of a nurturing, harassment-free education that sets them up to succeed in life.   

Penn Law Lambda stands with Gavin Grimm, plaintiff in G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board. Gavin is a transgender young man currently suing his school board for its discriminatory bathroom policy separating transgender students from their peers. The Supreme Court will hear his case on March 28th.  

Lambda is currently planning several events related to transgender legal issues, including hosting Jessica Lynn, a transgender woman who was stripped of custody of her children because of her gender identity. We invite the Penn Law community to join us and continue the conversation on transgender rights. 

In solidarity,  
Penn Law Lambda