SENATOR HOYLMAN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT TRANSGENDER KIDS FROM HARMFUL NEW TRUMP DIRECTIVE

Hoylman: My legislation will strengthen the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) in the face of this unprecedented attack by the federal government on Title IX protections for transgender kids and ensure New York public schools remain a safe place to learn.”

ALBANY – In response to news that the Trump Administration rescinded Obama-era Title IX guidelines ensuring transgender students can access bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identities, NYS Senator Brad Hoylman (D, WF-Manhattan) announced he is introducing legislation that would codify these protections in New York State law. In effect, Hoylman’s legislation would ensure all New York State school districts adopt policies that protect transgender students against discrimination in all forms.

Hoylman’s bill would amend and strengthen New York's Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which mandates that public schools in New York State create safe environments free from bullying, discrimination, and harassment, to codify the Title IX guidance issued by the Obama administration to clarify that schools must have policies in place that sufficiently protect students from discrimination on the basis of their gender identity or expression.

Specifically, the legislation would ensure school districts across New York:

• Treat students consistent with their gender identity or expression, without requiring documentation or medical treatment as a prerequisite.
• Allow students to participate in sex-segregated activities or access sex-segregated facilities consistent with their gender identity or expression.
• Protect students' privacy related to their transgender or gender non-conforming status.

State Senator Brad Hoylman said: “Donald Trump’s cruel and inhumane decision to undermine Title IX protections for transgender children calls for swift action by New York to clarify and codify state law to ensure these kids feel safe in school.

“Studies show that trans children are at a higher risk for bullying and suicide attempts. The State Legislature needs to send a strong message to transgender kids and their families that we value them and New York will protect these children from harassment.

“My legislation will strengthen the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) in the face of this unprecedented attack by the federal government on Title IX protections for transgender kids and ensure New York public schools remain a safe place to learn.”