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Internet stands up for trans kids as Trump rolls back protections

"This isn't about politics. It's about human rights, and it's not okay."

Johnny Lieu

on February 23, 2017

In a significant setback, the Trump administration rescinded federal guidelines that give transgender students the right to use public school restrooms that match their gender identity.

According to the Washington Post, officials from the Department of Justice and the Department of Education told the U.S. Supreme Court to "disregard memos" on transgender student rights.

The guidelines, first issued by the Obama administration, say that prohibiting transgender students from using facilities which match their gender violates federal anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sex.

These have been withdrawn because officials say the term "sex" is open to legal interpretation. The letter to be sent to public schools gives the example of Texas, where a federal district court stated the term "sex" refers "unambiguously to biological sex."

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In a statement, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said it was "an issue best solved at the state and local level."

Gavin Grimm is a transgender student fighting to use the boy's restroom at school. Credit: Steve Helber/AP/REX/Shutterstock

It's curious timing, considering the highly publicised case of trans student Gavin Grimm, who is set to have his case heard all the way at U.S. Supreme Court in March.

Grimm is taking on the Gloucester County school board to use the boy's bathroom at his high school, after it rescinded the right for him to do so. His case recently came under the spotlight after actress Laverne Cox gave it attention at the Grammys.

The latest setback prompted people to step up and protect trans youth.