Texas State Teachers Association and National Education Association Presidents jointly respond to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s attack on transgender students

Washington—Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina and National Education Association President Becky Pringle today jointly responded to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s directive to report the parents of transgender minors to state authorities for abuse if it appears that they are receiving gender-affirming medical care.

“Across our races, backgrounds and genders, we want to be treated with dignity and respect. But today, certain politicians are pushing laws that restrict our freedoms because of the color of our skin, what’s in our wallets, or because we are transgender.

 “Take Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s ill-conceived and harmful directive to task professionals who work with children – including teachers, nurses, and doctors – to report the parents of transgender minors to state authorities for abuse if it appears that they are receiving gender affirming medical care.

 “No parent should worry that their child’s gender affirming – and sometimes lifesaving – care is criminalized because of bigotry and misinformation. By stoking fear, Gov. Abbott is attempting to distract and divide us so we will not notice his failures to provide what our students and families need – inclusive, safe, and fully resourced schools.

 “Gov. Abbott joins a growing list of politicians around the country who are manufacturing false narratives to inflame and divide communities by limiting what history our kids can learn about, what books they can read, and now, by putting children in harm’s way by directing state agencies to report parents if it appears their children are receiving gender-affirming medical care.

“Instead of dividing communities, politicians like Gov. Abbott should focus on making sure all students receive the education they deserve, making schools places where children thrive, and where students have the freedom to learn without fear or intimidation.

“We are not fooled by their cruel and politically motivated tactics and will continue to join parents, students, and educators to make public schools places where we are all free to thrive and support each other for who we are.”

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About the National Education Association: The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.