By insisting that more study is warranted to decide whether transgender students should be treated fairly, the government has sent a deeply concerning message to transgender students that they are less than other students, and unworthy of protection. But it is especially troubling here, given that transgender students already are subject to more violence and harassment — both by other children and by adults — than their non-transgender peers. These obstacles help explain why many transgender students drop out of school, why nearly half of transgender children have considered suicide and why a quarter of them have attempted it. Although the letter notes that the law protects transgender students, like all students, from discrimination, bullying and harassment, requiring transgender students to use separate facilities from those used by other students is itself a form of discrimination. School districts across the country that have adopted inclusive policies have enjoyed a safer and more welcoming learning environment for all students, transgender and not.

Source: New York Times February 23, 2017 15:00 UTC