New York governor calls Trump ‘misguided’ and issues directive

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state will continue to allow transgender students to use public school bathrooms that match their gender identity after President Donald Trump’s administration reversed a similar federal policy.

The Democratic governor called the administration’s actions “misguided” and said they seek to move the country backward.

Cuomo issued a directive to state education officials Thursday that he says makes it clear public schools in the state must abide by a state statute protecting students from discrimination, harassment or bullying based on gender and gender identity.

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Trump’s administration announced Wednesday that it was lifting an Obama-era policy allowing students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. That decision leaves it up to states and school districts to decide their own policies.