Parents & school board members sue their state for the right to bully transgender students - LGBTQ Nation

""Comments and conduct that violate students' privacy rights or create a hostile school environment harm children, sow discord in communities, and expose school districts to costly litigation," the letter stated. "Purely ideological statements [made during board meeting public comment periods] opposing students' rights under New York law are an unproductive diversion from boards' important work... [and can] harm children who unwillingly find themselves" scrutinized, harassed, or stigmatized by school community members, the letter added."

""Board members have a duty to conduct meetings in a manner that respects the dignity of all students," it continued. "Board members... may be removed from office when they willfully neglect their duty or violate legal protections for students in their district.""

"The letter noted that state law requires trans access to school facilities, forbids discrimination based on gender identity, and requires governmental school officials to protect all students from "discrimination, harassment, bullying, taunting, and intimidation.""

School districts and school board members in Long Island and Schenectady sued New York Attorney General Letitia James and other officials, alleging May 8 guidance censors free speech. The Southeastern Legal Foundation filed the lawsuit for those districts and boards. The guidance from James and State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa directed boards not to make or encourage comments that misgender trans students, call their identities illegitimate, or suggest their inclusion harms others. The guidance cited state law requiring trans access to school facilities, prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, and mandating protection from discrimination, harassment, bullying, taunting, and intimidation. The guidance warned that such comments harm children, sow discord, and expose districts to costly litigation, and reminded board members of duties and possible removal for willful neglect.

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