Colleagues- 

On Wednesday afternoon, the Trump Administration took action, through an executive order, to rescind policy guidance issued jointly through the Departments of Eduction and Justice regarding protections for students who identify as transgender. Among the protections was the guideline requiring public schools to allow children to use restrooms and facilities that correspond to their gender identity. As an educator and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth I find this action highly misinformed, problematic, and dangerous. 

The Center, Pride Center San Antonio, provider of community programming, advocacy and resources benefiting all of San Antonio and South Texas, is holding a rally to show support for and to affirm Texas students who are trans* specifically and the Texas LGBTQ+ community in general. You can access the Facebook Event Page for the Rally at this link to learn more about the location and time on Thursday. As I’m sure you are also aware, the State Legislature has also been considering a number of new laws that are biased and discriminatory to those who are part of the gender and/or sexual minority community. As a board member for The Center, please accept this as my personal invitation to join us and be a part of the resistance by showing up in support or as an ally in solidarity. Please feel free to share this email with your students and colleagues across the city and state. 

Sincerely, 

Zaid Haddad