In response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, also applies to gay and transgender individuals, Anna Maria Chávez, Executive Director & CEO National School Boards Association issued the following statement:

"Yesterday’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court marks historic progress in addressing discrimination. The High Court’s 6-3 ruling that federal anti-discrimination laws protect gay and transgender employees affirms NSBA’s belief and its argument to the Court that such discrimination has no place in our nation’s public schools.

"By deciding that an employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender violates Title VII, the High Court has provided a consistent rule across the nation. NSBA joined AASA, The Superintendents Association; the American Federation of Teachers; and the National Education Association in an amicus brief to urge the Court to do just that. The brief asked the High Court to honor Title VII’s plain text, and to find that employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity amounts to sex discrimination.

"Schools must be able to employ teachers and staff from an expansive and diverse pool of qualified individuals to meet students’ educational needs.

"Collectively public schools are the largest employer in the country, and they must be places where the personal rights of staff are upheld. The Court’s decision provides an understandable rule for employers, ensures that public schools can draw from the broadest pool of qualified talent, and helps schools foster a supportive learning environment.”

Media Contact: Charlotte Blane cblane@nsba.org 703-838-6231

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