Oppose House Bill 4024: Protect Trans Students' Rights and Safety

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 4024, which would restrict bathroom access for transgender students in K-12 and higher education institutions. This bill, recently passed by the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives with a 58-46 party-line vote, is not only discriminatory but also potentially in violation of Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). As a concerned constituent, I urge you to recognize that transgender individuals pose no inherent risk in bathrooms; they simply wish to use these facilities safely, like anyone else. The claim by Rep. Brad Paquette that this bill protects 'sex-based spaces' for girls is misguided and fails to acknowledge the real challenges and discrimination faced by transgender students. This legislation contradicts the principles of inclusivity and equal rights that our state should uphold. Rep. Helena Scott rightly pointed out that the bill violates civil rights and ELCRA. By supporting such discriminatory measures, we risk causing significant harm to an already vulnerable population of students. Moreover, I share the concerns raised by Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan, regarding the misplaced priorities of the House. With pressing issues like the looming government shutdown and crucial budget negotiations at hand, it is disappointing to see valuable legislative time wasted on unnecessary and harmful bathroom policies. While I understand this bill is unlikely to pass in the Democratic-led Senate, I implore you to take a firm stand against it and any similar future legislation. Instead, I ask that you focus on policies that protect and support all students, regardless of their gender identity. Our educational institutions should be safe and welcoming environments for everyone. I request that you publicly denounce House Bill 4024 and work towards more inclusive policies that align with ELCRA and respect the rights and dignity of all Michigan students. Your leadership on this issue is crucial in sending a message that discrimination has no place in our state's educational system.