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Cuomo Seeks Transgender Protection Following Trump Administration's Order

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office announced that he has directed the State Education Department to protect transgender students from discrimination in local schools.

Andrew Cuomo

Andrew Cuomo

Photo Credit: File

This week, according to news reports, President Donald Trump's administration rescinded a measure, which was issued last year by then-President Barack Obama's administration, to protect transgender students from being denied access to public-school bathrooms suited for the gender that they identify with. 

The Trump administration, according to news reports, has decided to leave the issue up to states to decide.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Cuomo blasted the Trump administration for the repeal.

“The misguided action taken by the federal government last night runs contrary to the New York Promise of individual freedoms. With the stroke of a pen, they seek to move this country backwards."

The Education Department is being asked, according to Cuomo's announcement, to ensure that transgender students are not discriminated against by school districts.

“Today, I am urging the State Education Department to issue a directive to all school districts making it clear that – regardless of Washington's action – the rights and protections that had been extended to all students in New York remain unchanged under state law. 

A copy of Cuomo's letter, which was addressed to State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, can be read here.

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