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Macomb County student impacted by reversal on transgender protections

Posted at 4:42 PM, Feb 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-23 16:58:09-05

President Trump has rescinded protections for transgender students in public schools.

Those guidelines were put in place by the Obama administration to let transgender students use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

Corey Maison said she is concerned about her safety, although she feels supported by her school. She just wants to use the bathroom in peace.

"I feel very worried for myself and for a lot of other kids out there."

Maison is a transgender high school student in Macomb County.

The 15-year-old and her mother, Erica, say the Trump administration's move to rescind protections for transgender students will leave many children vulnerable.

"These are children this is affecting," Erica said. "These are children who are hurting because of these decisions and orders."

Erica is also transgender.

She is in Chicago right now undergoing a gender confirmation surgery.

Erica says, regardless of Trump's latest move, transgender students are still protected by the education amendments.

"They are still protected under Title IX under the Constitution. Regardless of whatever guidance he thinks he can repeal, school still have an obligation to keep all their students safe."

Corey says her school is supportive of her and makes her feel safe.

"I'm able to focus on my school work and not having to worry about what bathroom I have to use," she explained.

Corey has this advice for other transgender teens: "Just keep your head up high. Worry about the positive. Don't look at the negative because at the end we are just people who want to use the bathroom."

And as from President Trump, she has this message.

"Leave transgender children alone because at the end of the day they are just kids," she added.

In a letter sent to schools, the Trump administration states that schools have to ensure all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn in a safe environment.

It also said the policy regarding transgender bathrooms should be decided at the state level.