The amicus brief argues that: discrimination harms transgender students by stigmatizing them and denying them equal educational opportunities; school policies that respect trans students create a positive climate for all students; Title IX protects trans students, because discrimination against them is gender-based; and the court must make a ruling to avoid confusion. The brief also argues that compelling educators to harm trans students will harm educators and that forcing them to discriminate against or harm their students runs counter to the teaching profession.
In submitting the amicus brief, AFT President Randi Weingarten said, “As educators, we believe every child deserves to feel safe at school. Gavin Grimm is just a kid who wants to be treated like any other. He deserves nothing less, and educators stand with Gavin and every other child seeking the right to live their lives free from bullying, harassment and bigotry. When any of our children feel threatened or unsafe, we will protect them. That is who we are. The need for the Supreme Court to act is only magnified by the Trump administration’s decision to side with bigotry and roll back protections for transgender students. The court now has an opportunity to right an egregious wrong and stand for freedom and equality.”
