Members of school districts and school boards in Long Island and Schenectady, New York, sued Attorney General Letitia James and other state officials on Tuesday, claiming that their guidance protecting transgender students from bullying and harassment censors free speech.The lawsuit, filed by the anti-trans conservative Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF), is over a May 8 letter from both James and State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa telling school boards not to make or encourage comments that misgender trans students, suggest that their identities are illegitimate, or imply that their inclusion in school activities and facilities harms other students. Related LGBTQ+ youth are in crisis. But theyre also strong, hopeful & know who they are. The letter noted that state law requires trans access to school facilities, forbids discrimination based on gender identity, and requires governmental school officials to protect all students from discrimination, harassment, bullying, taunting, and intimidation.Comments and conduct that violate students privacy rights or create a hostile school environment harm children, sow discord in communities, and expose school districts to costly litigation, the letter stated. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Purely ideological statements [made during board meeting public comment periods] opposing students rights under New York law are an unproductive diversion from boards important work [and can] harm children who unwillingly find themselves scrutinized, harassed, or stigmatized by school community members, the letter added.Board members have a duty to conduct meetings in a manner that respects the dignity of all students, it continued. Board members may be removed from office when they willfully neglect their duty or violate legal protections for students in their district. The letter also noted that board members can respect free speech rights while also implementing reasonable viewpoint-neutral rules governing the content of speech that prohibit comments that could have discriminatory, harassing, or bullying effects.The lawsuit says the guidance forces school communities toself-censor and shut down parent speech that advocates for their core values and for childrens privacy, safety and opportunity.Letitia James policies that say students cannot speak at their own school board meetings about the stress and problematic policies around accommodating trans athletes are anti-American and anti-constitutional, SLF President Kim Hermann said in a statement. Letitia James policies that say school board members in New York can be removed from office just for using the biologically correct pronoun for a trans student are not only repressive but blatantly disregard the value of free speech for the citizens she represents. A 2025 Trevor Project study found that trans, nonbinary, and gender-questioning youth self-reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation following the recent increase in anti-trans political speech and policies.A 2023 Trevor Project study found that 64% of trans and nonbinary young people reported feeling discriminated against in the past year due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, 27% of trans and nonbinary young people reported being physically threatened or harmed in the past year due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, respectively.If this story affected you, just know you are not alone. TheTrans Lifeline Hotlineoffers support to trans/nonbinary people struggling with mental health from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. PST Monday-Friday. Call (877) 565-8860 to be connected to a trans/nonbinary peer operator and receive full anonymity and confidentiality. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth ages 24 and younger, can be reached at (866) 488-7386.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.