Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) Leads 60 Organizations in Urging Congress to Protect Trans Students

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Yesterday, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), joined by 60 national civil rights, education, and LGBTQI+ organizations, submitted a coalition letter urging Congress to protect trans students and defend inclusive learning environments. The letter was entered into the record during the House Education and Workforce Committee hearing. 

The coalition letter highlights the alarming levels of bullying, harassment, and discrimination facing trans and LGBTQI+ students and calls on Congress to support policies that promote equal educational opportunity for all students. Signatories include the American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights Campaign, National Education Association, Lambda Legal, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, The Trevor Project, and dozens of other national and state-based organizations. 

"Every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment," said Caius Willingham, Senior Policy Analyst at Advocates for Trans Equality. "As trans students face escalating attacks in state legislatures and increasing discrimination in schools, Congress must defend the policies and practices that help students succeed. Schools should be able to protect students from bullying, respect their identities, and provide the support every young person needs to thrive." 

The letter cites research showing that LGBTQI+ students experience disproportionately high rates of harassment and discrimination in school and warns that policies targeting trans youth can exacerbate these harms. The coalition also emphasizes that supportive school environments, inclusive anti-bullying policies, trusted adult mentors, and access to inclusive educational resources are associated with improved academic and mental health outcomes for LGBTQI+ students. 

"Students learn best when they feel safe, respected, and supported," Willingham added. "Lawmakers should be focused on ensuring every student has access to a quality education—not advancing policies that single out trans young people for exclusion." 

The coalition urges Congress to ensure that schools can continue providing the resources, protections, and support that all students—including trans, nonbinary, and intersex students—need to learn and thrive.

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About A4TE 

Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) is an organization that fights for the legal and political rights of trans people in the United States. Introduced in July 2024 after the Trans Legal Defense & Education Fund and National Center for Trans Equality merged, A4TE is the largest trans-led advocacy organization in the U.S. and brings together experts, advocates, and communities to shift government and society toward an equitable future where trans people live joyful lives without barriers.