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State Officials Respond To Obama Administration’s Transgender Bathroom Directive

ARKANSAS (KFSM) — After President Obama and the US Department of Education issued guidance telling public schools to allow transgender students to use bat...
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ARKANSAS (KFSM) — After President Obama and the US Department of Education issued guidance telling public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity on Friday (May 13), several state officials shared their opinions on the directive.

Governor Asa Hutchinson responded by recommending that school districts disregard the Obama administration’s announcement.

Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement:

“The recent letter from the federal government providing guidance to Arkansas schools on gender identification is offensive, intrusive and totally lacking in common sense.  There is no recognizable problem in Arkansas on this issue. The federal government is stirring the pot and meddling in the local control and administration of our schools.

“As Governor, I recommend that local school districts disregard the latest attempt at social engineering by the federal government and continue to use common sense to ensure a safe and healthy environment in Arkansas schools. While the letter implies federal money could be withheld, the letter is nothing more than guidance and is not legally binding.”

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued a statement in support of Governor Hutchinson:

“I stand with Governor Hutchinson in urging local districts to disregard this latest attempt from the administration to force a social agenda on the states. I will also work with my colleagues across the country to determine if legal action against this directive is necessary in order to keep our students safe.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas said the governor’s call for schools to ignore the federal ruling is “dangerous and irresponsible.”

“Violation of Title IX can lead to lawsuits and possible lost funding as well as violations of students’ rights,” said Holly Dickson, legal director of Arkansas ACLU.

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