WASHINGTON, D. C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today issued the below statement in response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal of federal guidelines protecting transgender students across the country from discrimination and ensuring they can use bathrooms that match their gender identity. Last year, Attorney General Racine joined an amicus brief opposing efforts to block these federal guidelines in Texas.

Attorney General Racine’s statement:

“The District’s laws already are among the strongest in the nation in protecting LGBTQ residents, including transgender students, from discrimination and harassment. Despite the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw federal guidelines protecting transgender students, our office is committed to working with the D.C. Office of Human Rights to ensure robust enforcement of our anti-discrimination laws.

Nevertheless, I recognize that there are millions of young people across the country who do not have the same local protections that we have here in the District. All students — regardless of their zip code — should be able to learn in safety and dignity. I will continue to add my voice to those fighting for equality and fairness for LGBTQ students in all jurisdictions.”