Share
Education Minnesota, the union representing 70,000 educators in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools and higher education institutions statewide, responded to the decision by President Donald Trump to rescind protections for transgender students.
Trump rescinded guidelines issued by President Barack Obama that called on schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity.
Education Minnesota President Denise Specht released the following statement Thursday in response:
“Minnesota educators value and welcome all students and we strive to make sure every child feels safe in school, especially the most vulnerable, because students who feel secure learn more easily,” Specht said. “We will continue this work for LGBTQ and other students because we have a legal and moral obligation to do so. And we will oppose anyone who uses the president’s actions as an excuse to bully, harass or discriminate against the students we have dedicated our careers to serve. Now it’s time for school districts to step up for transgender students. As Governor Dayton said, this is a human rights issue.
“Educators go to work in public schools every day because we believe every child has the potential to be great,” Specht said. “Every child, period. We don’t teach hate. We don’t tolerate bullying. We don’t exclude children because of their religion, race, immigration status, ZIP code, special needs, gender or sexual orientation. Our responsibility is the mission of public education. When anyone threatens that mission, the educators of Minnesota will resist, and we will persist.”