Friend –

Last year, when the Massapequa and Locust Valley School Districts on Long Island passed hateful, anti-trans policies, we took action.

Representing a trans student in Massapequa who was being stopped from using school facilities like lockers and restrooms that match their gender identity, we filed a challenge with the State Education Department to strike these policies down. I'm writing to tell you the good news that the State Education Commissioner recently sided with us, in an important victory for trans students' rights in New York.

The Commissioner's decision reverses these policies and confirms what we've known all along: These transphobic resolutions flagrantly violate New York laws that bar discrimination based on gender identity. New York students have the right to use facilities that align with their gender identity, pure and simple.

These school districts should comply with the Commissioner's order and focus their efforts on fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. If not, we'll be watching.

Learn more about the rights of trans students and share resources with families in your community.

With your support, we will continue to fight for the rights of all students.

Emma Hulse
Pronouns: she/her
Education Counsel, NYCLU