Following the Trump administration's Feb. 22 revocation of guidelines extending Title IX protections to transgender students, political and advocacy leaders from both Chicago and Illinois responded with anger, defiance and optimism.
Two Chicago protests are planned. See information below.
On Feb. 23 Chicago-based Equality Illinois, Lambda Legal, The American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ) of Illinois and the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance ( ISSA ) hosted a joint press conference.
"While the legal rights of our transgender youth in Illinois are the same today as they were yesterday, we stand here appalled that our nation's top school official, top law enforcement official and President used their positions of influence to say to our transgender youth that they do not support their right to live openly and won't stand in the way of States if they offer different interpretations," Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson said. "Last night, in living rooms, dining rooms and homes throughout Illinois, parents sat down with their transgender children who were afraid and scared and had very difficult conversations."
The ISSA has been on the front lines of ensuring full protection for transgender and gender non-conforming students while offering invaluable education opportunities for teachers and administrators.
"We are dismayed however we remain hopeful. Our work is continuing and we are proud to say that school districts across the State have been unwavering in their support of transgender young people, proactive policies that go way beyond bathroom issues," ISSA Executive Director Owen Daniel-McCarter asserted. "We're fighting for environments where every student can learn, where their gender identity is not a barrier to their access to education."
Both the ACLU and Lambda Legal have taken the fight into courtrooms. However, ACLU of Illinois Director of Communications and Public Policy Ed Yohnka noted that the Feb. 22 announcement had nothing to do with the law or an interpretation of it.
"This is about being cruel to children and that makes this a sad day for America," he said. "What we saw was a rejection of fairness, decency and take on a national level the notion of treating people as others."
Yohnka recounted both Virginia high school Senior Gavin Grimm's pending Supreme Court Case and, closer to home, Student A who, for two years, has fought for the recognition of her humanity by Palatine's District 211.
Similarly, Lambda Legal Midwest Regional Director Christopher Clark recalled three of his clients—students the organization has represented and is representing including Juliet Evancho whose sister Jackie performed on the steps of the Capitol Jan. 20.
"Because of what happened yesterday, if a school district acts in a way that discriminates against transgender students, we will sue that school district," he said. "Yesterday's actions did not change the law. Title IX and the United States Constitution protects all students from discrimination, including transgender students."
"Lives are at stake," Daniel-McCarter said. "We know that transgender youth are disproportionately at risk of suicidal ideation, of [being] targets for violence This is a critical issue."
On Feb. 22, a transgender woman of color Tiara Richmond was gunned down in Englewood becoming the fourth transgender individual to be killed in the United States sicne the beginning of the year.
"As transgender people we are fighting every day for recognition that we exist as people," Daniel-McCarter said. "Any legislation or leadership in our country that dehumanizes us or denies our existence is absolutely correlated to the high levels of violence."
Response from Illinois political leaders was almost as damning as the repercussions that were experienced by the community as rumors of Trump's action were circulating.
"As if being a kid wasn't hard enough, President Trump wants to make it even harder for transgender students who are simply seeking a safe and supportive school community where they can learn, grow, and thrive," Rep. Mike Quigley ( D-IL ) wrote in a statement. ":The Administration's decision to roll back transgender student protections shows that President Trump is set on abandoning his campaign promise to protect LGBT Americans from discrimination."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel offered a similar sense of defiance and solidarity that the City of Chicago has demonstrated towards its immigrant population.
"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," he said. "Chicago will stay steadfast in our commitment to fight for equality and against discrimination in all its forms."
Attorney General Lisa Madigan echoed those sentiments.
"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," she said. "Any actions to deny transgender students equal access to educational opportunities in our state will not be tolerated."
Local advocacy groups issued statements of stringent condemnation.
Chicago-based Pride Action Tank ( PAT ) called the decision a "reckless and dangerous move to harm the education and dignity of trans youth across Illinois and the US."
Organizations such as Youth Outlook offered words of comfort and solidarity with the transgender community.
"We are proud to support our brilliant and gender expansive young people and their families throughout North Central Illinois," it said.
Rally information:
* Stand Up for Transgender Rights: Chicago, Saturday, Feb. 25, 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Halsted and Roscoe www.facebook.com/events/1210794592302772/ .
* Trans Liberation Protest Chicago, Friday, March 3, 6 p.m., Wacker and Wabash, www.facebook.com/events/1933015373598471/ .
