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Statement from Gov. Bob Wise on Decision to Rescind Guidance on Federal Protections for Transgender Students

WASHINGTON, DC—Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education rescinded guidance on federal protections for transgender students issued under the Obama administration. In response, Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia, made the following statement:

“All students—regardless of their race, class, religion, gender identity, or expression—deserve an excellent education, which is only possible if all of our children feel safe and welcome in our public schools. Our country is at its strongest and best when we work to understand our differences and celebrate diversity, not when we promulgate fear and uncertainty.

“The Alliance for Excellent Education supports efforts to foster inclusive classroom and school environments where students can learn and grow together, so we are disappointed that the administration chose to rescind policy that will help achieve this goal.

“Since its inception, the U.S. Department of Education has played the leading role in ensuring equitable treatment of each and every child in our nation’s schools. We strongly encourage them to continue to do so.”

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The Alliance for Excellent Education is a Washington, DC–based national policy, practice, and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, particularly those traditionally underserved, graduate from high school ready for success in college, a career, and citizenship. www.all4ed.org