Media advisory: Expert on transgender politics can discuss directive about public school bathrooms


Fri, 05/13/2016

author

George Diepenbrock

LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas expert on transgender politics and policy is available to discuss the Obama administration's directive to U.S. public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms that match their gender identity.

According to national news reports, the letter sent to school districts will describe its expectations for public schools districts on the issue and mentions schools that do not abide by the Obama administration’s interpretation of the law could face lawsuits or a loss of federal aid.

Don Haider-Markel, professor and chair of the Department of Political Science, is co-editor of the book  "Transgender Rights and Politics: Groups, Issue Framing & Policy Adoption." C-SPAN's book TV in a 2015 segment featured the research. His research and teaching is focused on the representation of interests in the policy process and the dynamics between public opinion, political behavior and public policy. He has more than 20 years of experience in survey research, interviews and in policy studies. He has authored or co-authored more than 50 journal articles, more than a dozen book chapters and several books in a range of issue areas, including civil rights, race and inequality, religion and the culture wars, criminal justice policy, counterterrorism and environmental policy.

Haider-Markel said the transgender movement often faces a steeper hill to climb than the broader gay and lesbian movement in seeking anti-discrimination laws and other legal protections. Often issues behind use of restrooms and locker rooms become a sticking point for politicians in a debate over certain policies.

"Second only to Obama's executive order banning discrimination based on gender identity for federal employees, this policy directive is the one of the most significant developments in favor of the transgender movement in the United States," Haider-Markel said.

To arrange an interview with Haider-Markel, contact George Diepenbrock at gdiepenbrock@ku.edu or 785-864-8853.

Fri, 05/13/2016

author

George Diepenbrock

Media Contacts

George Diepenbrock

KU News Service

785-864-8853