Equality California on Trump Justice Department Targeting California School Districts

SAN FRANCISCO - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to the Civil Rights Division of the Trump Justice Department launching investigations into four California school districts over supposed "instruction on sexual orientation and gender ideology."

"Instead of focusing on its core mission of protecting civil rights and addressing real instances of discrimination, Donald Trump's Department of Justice continues its obsession with targeting LGBTQ+ youth and attacking inclusive education. These politically motivated investigations do nothing to improve educational outcomes or protect students.

These so-called 'compliance reviews' of Graves Elementary School District, San Francisco Unified School District, Santa Rita Union School District, and Soledad Unified School District are nothing more than attempts to intimidate these districts, and put LGBTQ+ youth at an increased risk for bullying, intimidation, and harassment.

It's also no surprise that this sham 'investigation' is being spearheaded by Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. A former California native, her history of anti-LGBTQ+ extremism is well-documented - dogmatic thinking she is now attempting to unleash at the federal level.

This latest investigation is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to undermine California's schools and attack LGBTQ+ inclusion.They have already attempted to withold billions in federal education funding to investigations targeting school districts and colleges, and have faced repeated legal challenges from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who has successfully defended both California law and LGBTQ+ communities.

California law is clear: our schools should reflect the full diversity of our communities, including LGBTQ+ people and families. We are grateful to the state leaders, legislative champions, and members of California's congressional delegation who continue to push back against federal overreach and defend the rights of students. Equality California will continue working alongside parents, educators, and advocates to ensure every student has access to a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment."

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