ATTORNEY GENERAL MADIGAN CONDEMNS
ROLLBACK OF FEDERAL GUIDANCE
REGARDING TRANSGENDER STUDENT PROTECTIONS
Madigan Commits to Protect All
Illinois Students under the Illinois Human Rights Act
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[February 24, 2017]
CHICAGO
–
Attorney General Lisa Madigan today condemned the actions by
the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education rescinding federal
guidance that set out protections for transgender students across
the country from discrimination and harassment.
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The federal government rescinded guidance which provided that
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its regulations
prohibit discrimination on the basis of a student’s gender identity,
including discrimination based on a student’s transgender status.
“Schools have an obligation to provide a safe and inclusive
environment for all students, including transgender students.
Today’s actions by the federal government harm our students by
creating unnecessary fear and confusion about the protections
provided by Title IX,” Madigan said. “I am committed to the strong
enforcement of anti-discrimination statutes that guarantee all
Illinois residents the right to be free from discrimination,
harassment and violence on the basis of their gender identity. Any
actions to deny transgender students equal access to educational
opportunities in our state will not be tolerated.”
The Illinois Human Rights Act explicitly prohibits discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. These
protections for transgender youth are vitally important. According
to the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, over 75 percent of
transgender youth report feeling unsafe in their schools. As adults,
50 percent of transgender individuals who experienced
anti-transgender harassment or bullying in elementary or secondary
school reported attempting suicide, according to a study by the
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Williams
Institute at the UCLA School of Law.
Studies have shown that creating a safe, supportive and welcoming
learning environment improves educational outcomes for all students,
not just those who identify as LGBTQ. For transgender students in
particular, an inclusive school climate can make a significant
difference.
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Attorney General Madigan’s Civil Rights Bureau protects the civil rights of all
Illinois residents. The Bureau enforces civil rights laws that prohibit
discrimination, works to strengthen the civil rights laws, and participates in
community outreach programs. The Bureau also investigates complaints of pattern
and practice discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment, and
financial matters. Attorney General Madigan encourages individuals to contact
her office to report instances of discrimination or harassment by calling her
Civil Rights Hotline at 1-877-581-3692.
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