California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 13 attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The brief supports Skaneateles Central School District’s policy on safeguarding the privacy and safety of transgender and gender-nonconforming students.
The case, Vitsaxaki v. Skaneateles Central School District, challenges the school district’s policy that allows students to use their chosen names and gender pronouns. The Northern District of New York previously dismissed the complaint, a decision now appealed by the plaintiff to the Second Circuit.
Attorney General Bonta stated: “School districts have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that all students — including transgender and gender-nonconforming students — have access to education free from discrimination, harassment, and intimidation.” He emphasized that their amicus brief demonstrates a commitment to protecting all students’ rights and safety regardless of gender identity.
The coalition highlights its interest in ensuring children’s legal rights and safety in schools while protecting them from trauma, harassment, bullying, violence, or threats thereof. Research indicates that allowing transgender students control over when they disclose their identity is crucial for their well-being due to high levels of mistreatment faced at school.
In urging the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the lower court’s decision, the brief argues:
– The school district’s policy prevents unnecessary disclosure of a student’s gender identity while ensuring safe environments.
– The plaintiffs’ approach undermines efforts to create supportive school settings.
– States are interested in making schools inclusive for all students.
Joining Attorney General Bonta are attorneys general from New York, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Washington as well as from the District of Columbia.
A copy of the amicus brief is available online.
