cn tres Congress af the Hnited States SEE” ‘House of Representatives a Washington, BC 20515 ‘May 26", 2016 Public School Superintendets ‘Mayland’s First Congressional Distict Dear Superintendents, “Thank you for your service ss educators and community leaders. I appreciate the tole you ply in the development of our communities and their citizens realize the teauous postion the Depattments of Edcation (DOE) and Justice have put you in through the “guidance” provided in thei te, dated of May, ro school dtc, urge you to continue to sespectstadents ight to pivicy~ including gl that do at wish to undeess in the presence of biological mals ae whose pazens fel ikewise. Please know thatthe Obama ‘Adminsteation wil aot ave the at word on thi sme. As you may kaow, in response to « Chase city ordinance that would allow transgender people to ‘use public restrooms ofthe gender in which they identify, che State of Nott Carolina signed House Bill 2 (HB2) into law. This measure prevents « person in North Carolina from using bathrooms that do aot correspond with the gender listed on chit birth ceetiiate. In response tothe bills passage, the United States Departmest of Justice (DO)) stated thatthe hw isn violation of dhe Civ Rights ‘Act and demanded Nosth Carolina sepeal the law ot sis federal repercussions Subsequendy, the Obumna Acministeation sent the May 13! letter to schoo! ditiets across the country containing “guidance” that would requite all public sehooks to accommodate students using sestzoome of their choice regardless oftheir biological gender. Violation of this “guidance” is, of course, under the implicit cheat of withholding of federal funds and/or legal action by the DO}. (On thi issu, Telieve the Administration is misinterpreting federal civil rights law, and violating, stats" ights. Thee is thority for this “guidance.” ‘Thus these confits must, and ultimately wil, be resolved by ether Congres othe Federal Cours Already, a group of 51 fais in Ilinois has filed a federal await challenging Depastment of Education mandates that ther school eommingle sexes in locker zooms based on the Depastment ‘redefining the term sex in feceal lw. Additionally, on Wednesday May 25%, a group of eleven states lel a sepatate federal suit challenging the Administration's “guidance” dzecting schools tallow transgender students to use restzooms and other faites that match their gender identities. CCleaiy, the ise will not be decided by this misnterpretation of evil rghts law by the Obama Adminstration. Congressional actions ae being discussed, including making it cleat that no monies ‘may be withheld wat federal cours resolve this tsue-an outcome that may take years. Uni theissue reaches final dispostion, you can be secure in my support of you and your right to set policy for your schools, even if thet policy is notin conformity with the May 13° “guidance.” ‘As the 114th Congress adhesses the many challenges facing our nation, please rest assured that T ‘will continve to fight forthe rights and values of the citizens of Magyland and ofthese United States ‘of Ameria. IF canbe of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Sincerely, Gfbl-ov W Analy Haris, MD, “Member of Congress Recipients: Dr Kelly Grifich Superintendent ‘Talbot County Publie Schools 12 Magnolia St Easton, MD 21601 (Me. John Ewald Superintendent Caroline County Poblie Schools 204 Franklin St Denton, Maxylind 21629 De. Karen Couch Superintendent Kent County Public Schools 5608 Boundaey Ave Rock Hall, MD 21661 Dr. Dallas Dance Superintendent Bakimore County Publi Schools {6901 Chaees Street Towsoa, Maryland 21204 Me. Stephen H. Guthtie Supetintendent Caroll County Publie Schools 125 Noxth Court Steet, Westminster, MD 21157 Dr. DEnte W. Devine perintendent| Peel County Public Schools 201 Booth Steet Elkton, MD 21921 Dr.John Fredericksen Superintendent ‘Wicomico County Public Schools 2424 Northgate Dr. Suite 100 Salisbury, MD 21801 De John Gaddis Superintendent eset County Public Schools "7982A Tawes Campus DR. ‘Westover, MD 21871 Ds Jenry Wilson Supetintendent ‘Worcester County Public Schools 6270 Worcester Highway Newatk, MD 21841 De. Heney V. Wagaet, Je Supesintendent Dotchester County Public Schools 700 Glasgow St snluidge, MD 21613Mes Barbara Canavan Superintendent arfore County Public Schools 102 S. Hickory Bl Ais, MD 21014 i. Carol Williamson ‘Superintendent Queen Anne's County Puble Schools 202 Chesterfield Avene Centreville, MD 21617