Washington, D.C. – President and Co-Founder of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Justin Nelson released the following statement today on the White House’s plans to reverse LGBT student protections in public schools:
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, opposes the Trump Administration’s decision to reverse existing directives that any school that receives federal money must recognize a student’s gender identity as his or her sex. Nondiscrimination protections ensure all students are free to focus on their future, without fear of persecution for being who they are.
LGBT inclusion in communities is associated with higher levels of entrepreneurship and is linked to GDP growth, whereas LGBT discrimination goes hand-in-hand with a decline in productivity and success. Ensuring our youngest, most vulnerable citizens have safe schools should be a national priority, and not left to states where their protection is anything but certain.
If this government truly wants our economy to grow, our leaders must concern themselves with the future health of our businesses—which begins with ensuring a safe and level playing field for all students. Public opinion echoes the court’s sentiment that equality of opportunity and safety is essential for American progress. We decry this effort to roll back the clock on current protections for America’s LGBT youth, who are the entrepreneurs and job creators of tomorrow.
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ABOUT NGLCC:
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC represents the interests of America’s 1.4 million LGBT business owners and is the exclusive certification body for LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs). www.nglcc.org | @NGLCC
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jonathan D. Lovitz
Senior Vice President
jlovitz@nglcc.org
954-695-5896
