AIDS United stands in support of transgender youth and their families affected by the Trump Administration’s withdrawal of Title IX school guidance protections issued by the Departments of Justice and Education. We call on the Trump Administration to immediately affirm that Title IX protects transgender students’ access to education unfettered by discrimination.
In May of 2016, the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice specifically clarified that sex discrimination based on gender identity and expression is prohibited in all educational programs and activities operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. We applauded this guidance as a landmark victory in the fight to advance and protect the rights of all Americans.
All students deserve access to an education free from stigma and discrimination. Today’s decision by the Trump Administration to rollback this critical protection puts transgender and gender expansive youth at even greater risk of bullying and other forms of discrimination. Stigma and discrimination are well known factors that increase individuals’ vulnerability to HIV infection. Transgender people are already disproportionately affected by HIV, which adds to the importance of prohibiting all forms of sex discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
AIDS United will work with our community partners to reverse this decision and to further advance the rights of transgender people. Our newly launched Trans Leadership Demonstration Project will support the participation of transgender advocates in AIDSWatch on March 27th and 28th to share their concerns with Congress.
