According to a report in The New York Times, in an unprecedented executive overreach, the Obama administration will “issue a sweeping directive” today mandating that every public school district in the country allow transgender students to use the showers, restrooms, and changing rooms that “match their gender identity.”
The New York Times reported that the directive “does not have the force of law, but it contains an implicit threat: Schools that do not abide by the Obama administration’s interpretation of the law could face lawsuits or a loss of federal aid.”
In a phone interview on Fox & Friends, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump issued his first public statement in response to the Obama administration’s edict, saying:
It’s a new issue and right now I just don’t have an opinion. [I’d] like to see the states make that decision.
Okay, that was underwhelming. Maybe he was caught off guard, but he needs a better response.
Donald Trump has a tremendous opportunity to shore up his base right here, right now. He has done a great job over the last week doubling down on his pro-life credentials. Now he needs to assure America that he doesn’t believe naked men should be showering with women and young girls.
Let’s hope Trump issues a strong response in the next 24 hours. Trump should:
- Condemn the Obama administration for an unprecedented power grab.
- Criticize the federal government for overreach into education, and make the connection to Common Core.
- Explain that Title IX of the Civil Rights Act applies to biological sex, not “gender identity,” and that the Obama Administration cannot rewrite federal law on the fly without congressional approval.
- Make the case that only states and local municipalities have the authority to regulate shower/bathroom/changing room usage. There is no power granted in the Constitution to the federal government that allows for such a decree.
This is a slam dunk, Mr. Trump. Let’s get it done.
Jon Schweppe is the Communications Director for American Principles Project. Follow him on Twitter @JonSchweppe.
