Jackie Evancho Pleads With Trump to Meet About Transgender Rights

Inauguration performer Jackie Evancho has reached out to President Donald Trump via Twitter after his administration lifted federal protections for transgender students Wednesday. 

The Trump administration lifted federal guidelines that said transgender students should be allowed to use public school bathrooms and locker rooms matching their chosen gender identity.

The 16-year-old singer, who was first discovered on America’s Got Talent when she was 10 years old, proudly performed at his inauguration in January. Her transgender sister Juliet is currently involved in a lawsuit against their local school district in Pennsylvania over her right to use women’s bathrooms.

On behalf of her sister, she took to Twitter to encourage the president to meet with her and her sister to talk about the repercussions of his administration lifting those guidelines for transgender students. 

Earlier, she tweeted, “I am obviously disappointed in the @POTUS decision to send the #transgender bathroom issue to the states to decide.”

. @realDonaldTrump u gave me the honor 2 sing at your inauguration. Pls give me & my sis the honor 2 meet with u 2 talk #transgender rghts

— jackie evancho (@jackieevancho) February 23, 2017

Stepping into an emotional national issue, the administration came down on the side of states’ rights, lifting federal guidelines that had been issued by the Obama administration. Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex.

“This is an issue best solved at the state and local level,” said Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. “Schools, communities and families can find — and in many cases have found — solutions that protect all students.”

The Obama guidance did not sufficiently explain how federal sex discrimination law known as Title IX also applies to gender identity, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. “Congress, state legislatures and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue,” said Sessions.

In a letter to the nation’s schools, the Justice and Education departments said the earlier guidance “has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms.”

The agencies withdrew the guidance to “in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved.”

Anti-bullying safeguards would not be affected by the change, according to the letter. “All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment,” it said.

It was not clear what immediate impact the change would have on schools, as a federal judge in Texas put a temporary hold on the Obama guidance soon after it was issued — when 13 states sued.

Even without that hold, the guidance carried no force of law. But transgender rights advocates say it was useful and necessary to protect students from discrimination. Opponents argued it was federal overreach and violated the safety and privacy of other students.

Conservative activists hailed the change, saying the Obama directives were illegal and violated the rights of fixed-gender students, especially girls who did not feel safe changing clothes or using restrooms next to anatomical males.

However, the reversal is a setback for transgender rights groups, which had been urging Trump to keep the guidelines in place. Advocates say federal law still will prohibit discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation.

Still, they say lifting the Obama directive puts children in harm’s way.

“Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that it’s OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans,” said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten.

Activists protested the move Wednesday outside the White House. “Respect existence or expect resistance,” read one placard.

Hollywood figures joined Evancho in taking to Twitter to express their concern over the decision.

Trans friend, if you are struggling tonight, please reach out to @TrevorProject and @Translifeline. Equality for all! #ISTANDWITHGAVIN pic.twitter.com/bgipj0rmqg

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) February 23, 2017

There’s no reason 2 roll back rights for trans citizens or anyone else. What jobs does that create? How is that keeping the US safe? #Resist

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) February 23, 2017

Deportations, the sick, and now trans kids; the cruelty of this administration is boundless.

— Timothy Simons (@timothycsimons) February 23, 2017

Trans kids drop out of school & commit suicide b/c of bullying. Now we can add the Secretary of Education and President 2 list of bullies.

— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) February 23, 2017

#KindnessInAction means showing up for LGBTQ students. You have my support, always. https://t.co/T3vTSfG7U3 @GLSEN

— Nina Dobrev (@ninadobrev) February 23, 2017

We need to protect trans youth and stand up against this cruelty that hurts our kids. Support @Translifeline

— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) February 22, 2017

Trans community you are not alone. We stand with you and support you and there is help. https://t.co/SQRZPRkRFW

— josh groban (@joshgroban) February 23, 2017

We stand with our Trans friends. We love U we support U. Shame on U and fuck U trump #ProtectTransKids

— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) February 23, 2017

And if you do a little reading, you’ll find out you’re not protecting anyone, anyway. 3/3

— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) February 23, 2017

Right now #LGBTQ students need to know we support them. Share a message of support and put #KindnessInAction: https://t.co/xtLrOpPfUB @GLSEN

— sia (@Sia) February 23, 2017

Dear Trans People, there are so many of us who will fight for you. So many. I love you and I see you and I’m thankful for you in my world

— jenny slate (@jennyslate) February 23, 2017

the real issue surrounding the transgender bathroom situation is about allowing trans people to simply exist. #protecttranskids pic.twitter.com/ELShHESEUX

— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) February 23, 2017

To young trans folk: Remember this is your school too. You deserve equal access, affirmation & education. You belong. Nothing is wrong w you

— Janet Mock (@janetmock) February 23, 2017

This is disgusting. This is unacceptable. I #StandWithGavin and every Trans person who deserve nothing less than protection and equality. https://t.co/IK5TO8nWQ8

— Brie Larson (@brielarson) February 23, 2017

What an asshole! Trump administration withdraws federal protections on transgender bathrooms in schools @CNNPolitics https://t.co/HuazYmhe2a

— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) February 23, 2017

Just seeing the news about removing laws protecting trans people. This isn’t about politics. It’s about human rights, and it’s not okay.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 23, 2017

Standing with my Trans fam. This is not ok. This is an attack on all of us. I love you. https://t.co/oT1quwHJlI

— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) February 23, 2017

Come on Trump, even God is celebrating Trans rights! pic.twitter.com/Owshxg7yhZ

— Jay Duplass (@jayduplass) February 23, 2017

We need to protect trans youth and stand up against this cruelty that hurts our kids. Support @Translifeline

— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) February 22, 2017

To the LGBTQ community, I’m sorry for the message that was sent today. They don’t speak for all of us. We love you.

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 23, 2017

Trans kids: You are LOVED, SUPPORTED, and VALID. I (and SO many others) are here for you. #protecttranskids

— Scott Hoying (@scotthoying) February 23, 2017

Trans rights are human rights. The end! #ProtectTransKids

— Ben Platt (@BenSPLATT) February 23, 2017