Reform Movement, Bend the Arc, ADL protest Trump Administration’s decision to have states decide transgender bathroom rules
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism condemn President Trump’s decision, and resulting actions by the Offices of Civil Rights of the Justice and Education Departments, to overturn a federal rule making the nation’s public schools welcoming and safe for transgender students.
Their statement continued:
The book of Genesis teaches us that all human beings are created in the Divine image — a status certainly shared by transgender men, women, and children, males created in female bodies and females created in male bodies.
The rejection of Title IX protections for transgender students undermines the safety and security of all students. Further we are concerned that if the government can set aside Title IX for some students, important Title IX protections for all students and in particular women and minorities are also at risk.
Tragically, transgender youth are especially vulnerable — to bullying, to rejection by their families and by their peers, to violence, and to suicide. A government that deprives youth of their right to safe schools, and specifically to use the restroom that conforms to their gender identity — in short, a government that fails to protect their imperative to live in accordance with their gender identity — is a government that is willing to accept bigotry and bullying.
Far from protecting girls and women from men in women’s bathrooms, decisions such as this imperil transgender youth. Transgender men and boys may appear threatening and come under attack if forced to use women’s restrooms. Transgender women and girls risk becoming victims of violence if forced to use men’s restrooms. The Administration has overturned a rule that was sound public policy and endeavored to uphold pikuach nefesh, saving life, the very highest of religious injunctions.
This matter is personal for Reform Jews. Our congregations proudly embrace transgender men, women, and youth among our members. Some of our rabbis are transgender. Many children in our congregations and communities, including children of our rabbis, are transgender. Our rabbinical seminary, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, educates transgender Jews for sacred leadership roles in our community. Our congregations, our youth programs, and our summer camps fully accommodate transgender youths and adults in accordance with their gender identity.
We lament this serious step backwards in the effort to protect transgender youth — and, more broadly, in the march toward equal civil rights for all Americans.
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Meanwhile, Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc Jewish Action, released the following statement:
“With this latest assault on freedom and human dignity, President Trump has added transgender youth, along with immigrants, Muslims, women and people of color, as targets of his hateful and dangerous agenda. Transgender students are some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society, often facing violence and painful social stigma both in and out of school. We should protect and embrace these children, not tell them that they are unworthy of equal rights and protection under the law.
“Jewish and American values demand that we defend and support the marginalized and oppressed and that we treat everyone equally. By withdrawing these protections for transgender youth, the Trump administration is turning its back on these fundamental principles. We urge political leaders in Washington and around the country to take steps to ensure that transgender youth are able to freely pursue an education without fear of discrimination, harassment or legal intimidation.”
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The Anti-Defamation League also denounced the new policy, issuing the following statement:
The Anti-Defamation League today harshly criticized the Trump Administration’s withdrawal of federal Title IX guidance supporting transgender students, calling the action “cruel, tinged with prejudice and unnecessary.”
As part of its longstanding mission of fighting bigotry and discrimination, ADL has supported federal protections to stop the harassment and bullying of transgender and gender non-conforming students.
Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO, issued the following statement:
The action by the Departments of Education and Justice to withdraw support for their May 2016 guidance on federal protection for transgender students is cruel, tinged with prejudice and unnecessary. All students should be treated equally and consistent with their gender identity.
This action sends a deeply disturbing message that the federal government is abdicating its responsibility for a student’s health and well-being and deferring to states and local school districts in establishing educational policy. It also suggests the administration will not support or defend LGBT-inclusive policies.
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has offered assurances that the Department’s Office for Civil Rights “remains committed to investigating all claims of discrimination, bullying and harassment against those who are most vulnerable in our schools.” But the action still threatens to confuse schools and districts on their continuing legal obligations to respect and protect all students.
The League will sign on to a brief in support of a transgender student in Gloucester County School Board v. G.G., a challenge to a discriminatory school board bathroom policy that segregates transgender students from their peers. That case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Orthodox Union congratulates Betsy DeVos on confirmation as Education Secretary
NEW YORK — Nathan Diament, Executive Director for Public Policy of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – issued the following statement regarding the confirmation earlier this month. of Betsy DeVos as education secretary
“The Orthodox Union congratulates Betsy DeVos upon her confirmation as Secretary of Education. We have long supported education policies that empower parents with the resources and choices to ensure their children receive the best education they deem fit for their children. We believe Secretary DeVos will be a force for such empowerment and we look forward to working with her to ensure all American children have access to great schools and the opportunity to realize their God-given potential.”
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Rep. Susan Davis denounces Trump’s immigrant,refugee policies
SAN DIEGO — In the face of recent actions against refugees and immigrants by the Trump Administration, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego)– an active member of San Diego’s Jewish community–led local immigration and business advocates in denouncing President Trump’s actions on immigration and emphasized how immigration benefits our country and our economy.
At a press conference in San Diego, Davis and the group called for an end to the refugee and Muslim ban, opposed mass deportation, highlighted cross border cooperation, and called for comprehensive and humane immigration reform.
“As the Representative for the second largest refugee community in the country, I am proud that our region is a safe haven for brave individuals who have come looking for a brighter future,” said Rep. Davis. “Like many, I’ve been alarmed to hear President Trump’s rhetoric concerning immigrants. We cannot allow fear and uncertainty to isolate us from the rest of the world.”
Small business owner Roxanne Govari of Roxanne Govari & Team Realty told her story of how she and her mom opened up shops as immigrants.
Norma Chavez Peterson, Executive Director of the ACLU, addressed the unconstitutionality of the refugee and Muslim ban. David Murphy, Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee, explained the extensive vetting process refugees go through to get into the country.
Davis has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s refugee and Muslim ban, cosponsoring the SOLVE Act to declare the ban null and void and prohibit the use of any federal funds to enforce it.
A number of experts touted the economic benefits of immigration, including Mark Cafferty, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation; Paola Avila, Vice President, International Business Affairs at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce; Jose Larroque, Co-Chair of the Smart Border Coalition.
Dr. Tom Wong, Assistant Professor at UCSD, highlighted his report on how immigrants are an overall positive influence on the community.
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Hadassah Stands with JCCs Against Anti-Semitism
NEW YORK — Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, stands in solidarity with our friends and partners at local JCCs throughout the USA. The recent acts of anti-Semitism that have negatively impacted and threatened activities at the JCCs affect young and old, Jew and non-Jew alike. Terror and threats do not discriminate when they wreak havoc.
Hadassah is proud to partner with the JCC Association in bringing preventative health programs to communities around the country. We look forward to strengthening our bonds with local JCCs and to continuing our support of this valuable institution. They do not stand alone.
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Preceding column culled from news releases sent to San Diego Jewish World