Statement from Chairman Raser-Schramm on protecting transgender students in our schools

Delaware Democratic Party Chairman Erik Raser-Schramm issued the following statement regarding the importance of protecting transgender students in our schools after comments made earlier this week in the media by Republican State House member Rich Collins:

As our platform states, the Delaware Democratic Party believes "in full equality for LGBTQ people in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and throughout life." All of our students, regardless of their gender identity, deserve to learn in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

Earlier this week, Republican House member Rich Collins offered a bizarre and deceitful critique of a proposed Department of Education policy that would guarantee those protections for students in all public schools, in accordance with state law. His comments show he’s completely oblivious to the issues facing trans students in our schools, and that he lacks even the most basic comprehension of what it means to be trans.

But Mr. Collins’ comments aren’t worth another breath here. What’s important to convey is that the vast majority of Delawareans who care deeply about equality and protecting our kids from bullying can rest assured that Democratic leaders will continue to insist on ensuring safe learning environments for all, including trans kids. We call on other Republicans to join us.

If we learned anything from the election results in Virginia on Tuesday, it’s that voters are sick and tired of ill-informed and divisive language from their leaders. We are now a year away from elections here in Delaware, and while it has always been our Party’s intent to field strong candidates in all corners of the state, this incident has underscored the need for us to prioritize the 41^st Representative District. Dagsboro, Frankford, Millsboro, and Selbyville deserve a representative that will fight for all residents; someone who won’t stand for bullying in our kids’ schools under any circumstance.