State school board falls in line on transgender guidance

CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi’s Board of Education fell in line Tuesday with state Republican political leaders’ opposition to federal guidance on transgender students’ use of restrooms and locker rooms.

The board voted 9-0 “to support the position of the state leadership regarding the recent release of the federal guidance letter” after a two-hour-plus closed discussion.

The move came after state Superintendent Carey Wright came under sharp criticism for the Department of Education’s initial stance that Mississippi would follow the federal guidance calling for transgender students to be treated consistently with the gender they currently identify as.

Officials cited a need for a “safe and caring school environment.”

Days later, Wright retracted that statement, saying the department would take no action until discussion with board members.

Majorities of the state House and Senate signed letters demanding that the board oppose the federal position, and Gov. Phil Bryant called for the state to defy the guidance.

Some letters called for Wright to be disciplined or fired.

Wright took no questions Tuesday.

Board Chairman John Kelly of Gulfport said the board has “full confidence” in her.

“If you look at everything that’s happening in this state from an education standpoint ... everything is going in the right direction,” he said of Wright’s leadership.

Kelly said it was legal for the board to discuss the subject behind closed doors because there might be litigation someday.