Emanuel Responds to Federal Transgender Bathroom Policy Change

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel responded Wednesday night to the Trump administration’s rolling back of transgender students federal protections that allowed them to use school bathrooms and locker rooms that match the gender they identify as.

"While tonight federal protections for transgender students have been rolled back, I want to be clear that the City of Chicago's and Chicago Public Schools policies providing equal rights to transgender residents and students will remain unchanged,” the mayor said in a statement. “Chicago will stay steadfast in our commitment to fight for equality and against discrimination in all its forms."

The mayor’s office said Chicago Public Schools in May 2016 announced guidelines to support transgender students, employees and adults to ensure their safety.

In June, the city passed an ordinance to prohibit public accommodations like hotels or restaurants from requiring patrons to show a government issue ID upon request to use the bathroom.

The Trump administration came down on the side of states' rights, the Associated Press reported, lifting Obama-era federal guidelines that had been characterized by Republicans as an example of overreach.

Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us