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Statement from Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas Regarding Texas v. U.S. Hearing
Posted on August 22, 2016 at 10:42 am

We are disappointed by the ruling, but despite this setback, we are hopeful and know that the civil rights of all students will ultimately prevail.

Transgender Texans, and in particular transgender kids, must be afforded the most basic dignity to use the restroom. Paxton’s actions seek to punish and harm transgender students who have done nothing wrong.

We will continue to fight with the parents of these children until “ALL” children do not face discrimination and are treated equally under the law.

An injunction doesn’t change what existing law is. It would only apply to the DOJ’s issuance of its interpretation. So schools still need to comply with the law. Title IX and VII still prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex.

This decision does nothing to prevent school districts to work with parents on an individual basis to ensure they are protected in school and do not face bullying, alienation or discrimination.

In the ruling, Judge O’Conner said, “the difficult policy issue is not a subject of his order.” We believe this civil rights issue will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.