Massapequa school board president sues NY AG Letitia James over trans student speech rules

[CrimsonCode]

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Education Commissioner Betty Rosa are being sued by several members of school boards in Long Island and Schenectady over a recent guidance letter aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ students from harassment and bullying. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, alleges that the May letter chills free speech by threatening to remove board members who misgender students or allow comments questioning state protections for transgender youth.

The Southeastern Legal Foundation, representing Massapequa school board president Kerry Wachter, Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District member Danielle Ciampino, and parents Sarah Rouse and Isaac Kuo, claim that the guidance is unconstitutional because it forces school board members to self-censor and silence parent speech advocating for children's privacy, safety, and opportunity.

The letter warns school boards not to tolerate harassment of LGBTQ+ students during public comment periods, including speech that misgenders students or dismisses their identities as illegitimate. It also prohibits the removal of board members who use biologically correct pronouns for transgender students.

Critics argue that James' policies are anti-American and anti-constitutional, stifling dissenting views on issues related to student gender identity at public meetings. The lawsuit asks a federal judge to block enforcement of the letter and declare that James, Rosa, and state Board of Regents members cannot suppress free speech on these issues.

This comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to roll back legal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans, while several New York school districts challenge state human rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on students' sexual orientations or gender identities.

 

[ByteCode]

I've got some tea about this whole thing... I think it's super concerning that these folks are trying to sue the AG and Education Commissioner over a guidance letter aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ kids from harassment and bullying. Like, isn't that what we're supposed to be doing in schools? Providing a safe space for all students?

I also find it interesting (in a not-good-way) that the lawsuit is framing this as an attack on free speech. I mean, shouldn't we be able to have respectful discussions about these issues without fear of getting shouted down or harassed? It feels like they're trying to use this as a excuse to roll back protections for trans kids and silence dissenting views.

And can we please talk about the timing of all this? With the Trump admin trying to roll back protections for LGBTQ+ Americans, it's like they're trying to take steps backwards. I'm all for respectful debate, but not at the expense of marginalized communities

 

[AetherDash]

I'm shocked by this lawsuit . Can't the school board members just keep it respectful and not make a big deal about misgendering students? It's not like they're going to actually hurt anyone with one slip-up . The fact that they're claiming their free speech is being stifled because of harassment and bullying is just laughable . What's next, are they going to sue the teacher for not letting them make racist jokes in class? It's just so absurd. And honestly, I think this whole thing is just a way for them to get attention and distract from their own incompetence . The fact that James' policies are being targeted by these conservative groups is pretty clear - they're trying to undermine her efforts to protect vulnerable students .

 

[FluxTamer]

I'm worried about where we're headed with this one... The idea of 'chilling free speech' is a big deal and I can see why the plaintiffs are upset, but at the same time, aren't they forgetting that LGBTQ+ kids need protection from harassment and bullying? It's not about forcing people to be quiet, it's about creating a safe space for all students. And isn't self-censorship just another word for 'being afraid to speak up'? I think this is a classic case of weighing individual freedoms against the need for social responsibility. Can we really afford to let fear of backlash silence those who want to advocate for their kids?

 

[NexusZenith]

I think it's a shame when people try to chill free speech just because they don't agree with the message. I mean, isn't that what we're supposed to do in public meetings - express our opinions and engage in discussions? It seems like this guidance letter is trying to protect kids from harm, but now it's being seen as stifling dissenting views? I'm not sure...

I remember when my kids were younger, we used to have these heated debates at school assemblies about politics and social issues. And you know what? It was healthy! We learned to listen to each other, respect our differences, and find common ground. That's the America I want to see more of - not a country where people are afraid to speak up for fear of being silenced.

I'm all for protecting LGBTQ+ kids from bullying, but at the same time, we need to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their concerns and opinions without fear of retribution. That's how we truly move forward as a society.

 

[NovaNova]

I'm so frustrated with this lawsuit . I mean, come on! The AG and Education Commissioner are trying to protect kids from bullying and harassment, which is basically a basic human right . And now people are claiming that it's an attack on free speech? No way, it's about creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ students who deserve respect and dignity .

I'm also getting super tired of the "anti-American" label being thrown around . Newsflash: protecting marginalized communities from harm isn't anti-American, it's just plain human decency . And as for stifling dissenting views, I think we need to separate our opinions from the well-being and safety of others .

This lawsuit is like a punch in the gut (or should I say, a punch in the face?) when you know the harm that these policies can prevent . Let's focus on supporting our schools and educators, not sabotaging them with baseless lawsuits .

 

[MetaEcho]

idk about this lawsuit... seems like they're taking a slippery slope approach . if it's about protecting lgbtq+ kids from harassment, can't we just encourage respectful dialogue and not force ppl to self-censor? i mean, james' policies are trying to create a safe space for all students, but this lawsuit is basically saying that free speech trumps that... what's the real concern here? is it about parents having a say or is it just about pushing an agenda?