LI school groups sue NY AG Letitia James over trans student athletes and forcing certain pronouns: Intimidation

A group of Long Island parents and educators is suing state Attorney General Letitia James for muzzling them on trans-student-athlete issues — while forcing officials to call kids by their preferred pronouns.The complaint, filed in federal court Tuesday, takes issue with James’ “guidance letter” to school boards in May cautioning members that discussing student trans issue at public meetings could violate youngsters’ right to privacy — and warning them that if they do so, “they may be removed” by state education officials.“They want to threaten your seat every time you don’t fall in line,” raged Kerry Wachter, president of the Massapequa School Board and one of the plaintiffs, to The Post.referring to state education officials.

“That’s why we’re a target.“I think they use it as an intimidation factor for everything,” Wachter said of the threats.” ‘Do what we say, or we’re going to take your seat.’ That’s kind of how this state runs.

So this is the heavy-handedness of New York state education and the attorney general.”The lawsuit — filed by the Southeastern Legal Foundation on behalf of Wachter, Danielle Ciampino, a member of the Rotterdam-Mohonase Central School District, two Rockville Centre Union Free School District and others — takes issue with James’ May 25 warning on discussing student trans issues.“Some board members have made, and encouraged, comments during board meetings that demean and stigmatize LGBTQ+ students,” the letter said.“These comments have included attacks on school support for LGBTQ+ student groups and on transgender and gender-expansive students’ rights to use facilities.”It added among its directives, “Nor should boards allow individuals to intentionally misgender district students–a practice that, according to research, leads to feelings of stigmatization and emotional harm, including anxiety, depression, and stress.’’The letter concludes with an ominious reminder.“Bo...