LI school groups sue NY AG Letitia James over trans student athletes and forcing certain pronouns: ‘Intimidation’
A coalition of Long Island parents and school leaders has filed a federal suit against New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleging that she is suppressing debate about trans‑student athletes while simultaneously compelling school officials to address students with their chosen pronouns.
The complaint, which the plaintiffs submitted on Tuesday, challenges the AG’s “guidance letter” issued to school boards in May. That letter cautioned board members that discussing the rights of trans students during public meetings could infringe on privacy laws and warned that any violation might result in seat removal by state education authorities.
Kerry Wachter, president of the Massapequa School Board and one of the plaintiffs, told The Post: “They want to threaten your seat every time you don’t fall in line.” She added that the state’s hard‑line approach feels like an intimidation tactic aimed at anyone who thinks differently.
Represented by the Southeast Legal Foundation, the lawsuit names Wachter, Rotterdam‑Mohonase Central School District member Danielle Ciampino, two officials from the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, and several other parents. The case contests James’ warning released on May 25, which specifically addresses how to handle discussions about trans students in school settings.
In her letter, James singled out board members who had made derogatory remarks toward LGBTQ+ students, decried support for gay‑straight alliances, and criticized the rights of transgender and gender‑expansive students to use school facilities. She also warned that misgendering students can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.
The guidance document ends with a stern reminder that board members risk removal by the commissioner of education if they: (1) violate any education or public‑school law, including the state Human Rights Law; (2) willfully neglect their duties; or (3) refuse to comply with a decision, rule or regulation from the Regents or the commissioner.
Those who oppose the letter argue it silences crucial conversations. For instance, some female students in Massapequa recently raised concerns about male-bodied students sharing locker rooms, a topic the school board had to grapple with. A teen student at a recent meeting stated in the meeting’s official transcript: “I’m here to talk about a statement that was made at the last meeting that the problem with the voice changing in the girls locker room was a problem for the parents.” She continued, “I’m here to say, as a female student, it’s hard enough to change in front of my female classmates, never mind if we add voice to the situation.”
The debate over trans athletes has spread beyond individual schools. In June, the Nassau County legislature passed a controversial ban on transgender athletes competing in county‑run sports.
The AG’s office declined to comment on the lawsuit, characterizing the May 25 letter merely as an explanation of existing state statutes and guidelines.
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