WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today released the following statement in response to President Trump's decision to revoke agency guidance on transgender student protections:

“President Trump’s withdrawal of federal guidance supporting protections for transgender students is arbitrary, misguided and cruel. This is not a states’ rights issue — it is a civil rights issue that affects students in every state across the country. It has long been settled that states must comply with federal civil rights laws, even when they disagree with particular applications of those laws. It is our obligation to protect the equal rights of American citizens, and President Trump’s withdrawal of guidance does not advance states’ rights – it legitimizes hate and discrimination. Fortunately, the Trump administration’s actions do not change our anti-discrimination laws under Title IX or the Constitution, which protect students of all gender identities. I am confident that these students’ rights will be vindicated in our courts, and I am proud to stand with them in this fight for justice.”

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