City Officials Condemn Trump Administration’s Policy Affecting Transgender Youth
 Action Rescinds Federal Protections Against the Discrimination of Transgender Students

PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Kenney and other City officials condemn the Trump Administration’s action yesterday that rolls back protections established last year for transgender students. The act reverses federal guidance from the Departments of Education and Justice that required the nation’s public schools to allow children to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identities.”This act shows a lack of compassion and understanding for millions of young people around the country who are simply trying to be themselves. It also sends a cruel and harmful message that puts transgender students’ well-being and safety at risk,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “All students, including transgender youth, should have an equal opportunity at school to succeed in their education. The City of Philadelphia will continue to stand with transgender students even if the Federal government refuses to.”

“The School District of Philadelphia remains a safe and welcoming place of inclusion for all our students,” said Dr. William R. Hite Jr., Superintendent, The School District of Philadelphia. “Every student deserves to know their rights will be recognized and upheld at school. This announcement will not change any school district policy or city law that protects our students.”

Rue Landau, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR): “Under the Fair Practices Ordinance (FPO), the city’s anti-discrimination law, all schools must allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker room facilities that are consistent with their gender identity.  This provision has been in place in Philadelphia since 2002, when gender identity was added to the FPO.  We want all students in Philadelphia to know that they are still protected.”

Amber Hikes, Director, Office of LGBT Affairs: “Today’s decision by the White House sets the stage for further marginalization and discrimination against transgender youth in schools across the country.  I’m proud to stand up with Mayor Kenney, the School District and PCHR to denounce this action and look forward to working with them to strengthen our protections for transgendered youth.”

Deja Lynn Alvarez, Trans Activist director of the LGBTQ Home of Hope and Member of Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs: “All students deserve to feel safe and comfortable using the restroom and locker room at school, being trans does not diminish that right.  We are lucky to have strong laws in Philadelphia, but outside of the city, forcing students to use bathrooms that correspond to their birth gender is harmful to our trans youth and discriminatory.   Just as bigots and racists feel empowered, we must be empowered to stand up for not only our rights but our children’s rights and their very lives. Today I would encourage transgender students to report any violations to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.”

Yesterday, Mayor Kenney issued a statement in opposition to these actions with Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination.