Cox told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday that she feels like "our government is not acknowledging the humanity of trans
people, not acknowledging that we are who we say we are."
So, perhaps a little light on that drama is appropriate -
The Trump administration Wednesday revoked federal guidelines issued by former President Barack Obama ... in May ... that allowed public school students to use restrooms and other facilities corresponding to their gender identity.
Now how does that deny the humanity of anyone in light of the following ....
Obama's directive did not "undergo any formal public process" or explain how the directive was "consistent with the express language of Title IX," the federal law outlawing sex discrimination in education and activities.
In English - he wrote it up without any thought or process to its implementation.
Instead, the argument goes ... "This is an issue best solved at the state and local level," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. "Schools, communities, and families can find -- and in many cases have found -- solutions that protect all students."
And further -
"Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. "The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.”
In a letter to the nation's schools, the Justice and Education departments said the earlier guidance "has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms."
And as for treatment of trans students -
Anti-bullying safeguards would not be affected by the change, according to the letter. "All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment."
So, again, where is the humanity being denied. And isn't the state, your town where you directly elect a Mayor or City Council or Board for the school, isn't that a very simple and easy place to begin to help all students.
Why does it need to come from the top down, where the top didn't think through before acting.
I really don't believe this is useful, but -
The argument about federal versus states is a very old debate in which over 600,000 men died before this issue was seemingly resolved. We call that event the Civil War.
Forcing an issue from the top, without any awareness of the implications and consequences on all levels, is not a prudent or responsible action. Instead, beginning with your local school board members who were elected by fewer than a few thousand votes, you can make a change. Or your city council who were elected by ten thousand or less votes, or your mayor who really wants another 100-500 votes you could provide if they support your cause. Or the state legislators who were probably elected by less than a few thousand votes. That process is easier to work through. It is localized and with people who know the situation well, in your community, rather than someone far removed with no understanding of anything.
Some businesses, like Apple could provide multiple bathrooms to anyone if they chose, WITHOUT federal guidance. Local decisions are better left to the people you can most directly affect by your vote. It works better. In cases where you are the minority, work up the chain to governor. In the state of California, I am sure the legislature will support any cause or mission and will grant you whatever it is you believe fair.
However, not all states are like that. In cases such as this, legal requirements rising from actions before the US Supreme Court will provide direction.
Trump's removal of a decision from 10 months ago is not equivalent to dismantling civil rights actions from 1964. It was simply DIRECTION, not a DEMAND to do. Get real.
So, perhaps a little light on that drama is appropriate -
The Trump administration Wednesday revoked federal guidelines issued by former President Barack Obama ... in May ... that allowed public school students to use restrooms and other facilities corresponding to their gender identity.
Now how does that deny the humanity of anyone in light of the following ....
Obama's directive did not "undergo any formal public process" or explain how the directive was "consistent with the express language of Title IX," the federal law outlawing sex discrimination in education and activities.
In English - he wrote it up without any thought or process to its implementation.
Instead, the argument goes ... "This is an issue best solved at the state and local level," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. "Schools, communities, and families can find -- and in many cases have found -- solutions that protect all students."
And further -
"Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. "The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.”
In a letter to the nation's schools, the Justice and Education departments said the earlier guidance "has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms."
And as for treatment of trans students -
Anti-bullying safeguards would not be affected by the change, according to the letter. "All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment."
So, again, where is the humanity being denied. And isn't the state, your town where you directly elect a Mayor or City Council or Board for the school, isn't that a very simple and easy place to begin to help all students.
Why does it need to come from the top down, where the top didn't think through before acting.
I really don't believe this is useful, but -
The argument about federal versus states is a very old debate in which over 600,000 men died before this issue was seemingly resolved. We call that event the Civil War.
Forcing an issue from the top, without any awareness of the implications and consequences on all levels, is not a prudent or responsible action. Instead, beginning with your local school board members who were elected by fewer than a few thousand votes, you can make a change. Or your city council who were elected by ten thousand or less votes, or your mayor who really wants another 100-500 votes you could provide if they support your cause. Or the state legislators who were probably elected by less than a few thousand votes. That process is easier to work through. It is localized and with people who know the situation well, in your community, rather than someone far removed with no understanding of anything.
Some businesses, like Apple could provide multiple bathrooms to anyone if they chose, WITHOUT federal guidance. Local decisions are better left to the people you can most directly affect by your vote. It works better. In cases where you are the minority, work up the chain to governor. In the state of California, I am sure the legislature will support any cause or mission and will grant you whatever it is you believe fair.
However, not all states are like that. In cases such as this, legal requirements rising from actions before the US Supreme Court will provide direction.
Trump's removal of a decision from 10 months ago is not equivalent to dismantling civil rights actions from 1964. It was simply DIRECTION, not a DEMAND to do. Get real.
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