Contact: Rep. Mark Spreitzer, 608-313-4509, Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa, 608-266-7669
MADISON- Today, State Representative Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) and State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee), two of the three openly LGBT members of the Wisconsin State Assembly, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s decision to withdraw federal protections for transgender students:
“The reasoning of the Trump administration’s decision in withdrawing federal protections for transgender students is hurtful, discriminatory, and baseless. President Obama acted boldly and honorably when he issued guidelines to our public schools ensuring transgender students the right to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. With the stroke of a pen, President Trump has ripped this small victory away from our most vulnerable students. Without this basic protection, transgender students are at higher risk for bullying, lower academic achievement, health issues, and even suicide.”
“Withdrawing these protections does not help our students and does not simplify matters for states and local school districts. Rather, this decision puts kids at risk and increases confusion due to a lack of federal guidance on this historic human rights issue. As Wisconsinites, we will work and fight to protect our transgender students and end discriminatory practices once and for all.”
