State Education Chief Under Fire From Lawmakers

JACKSON, MS (WCBI/AP) – A group of state lawmakers are calling on State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright to back off her stance on the Federal request to allow transgender bathrooms in Mississippi schools.

WRIGHT

Last week, Wright released a statement saying the Missisisippi Department of Education would adhere to the directive.  Lawmakers have now sent an open letter to Wright asking her to change that stance.   Below is the transcript of that letter.

The representatives of Desoto County, the State of Mississippi and it’s citizens stand with Gov. Bryant asking the Mississippi Department of Education to disregard the recent edict handed down by the federal government on school bathroom policy.  The demand that all state public schools allow students to use the bathroom and locker room of the “sex they identify as”  is nonbinding, and does not carry the force of law.

We ask you, Dr. Wright,  to withdraw the recent policy statement made on May 13, 2016, that states the Mississippi Department of Education will adhere to the “joint guidance”  issued by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Departement of Education.  The policy of allowing boys or men into bathrooms and locker rooms with girls poses a threat to the safety and well-being of every school-aged girl in this state.  This policy is in direct opposition to the morals and values of the people of Desoto County and Mississippi and puts our children in danger.

Dr. Wright, if you are unable or unwilling to protect our children by reversing this policy we ask that you step down from your position as leader of our educational system.  The people of this State demand a leader who shares our goals and values and who is willing to protect our children even under pressure from federal agencies to do otherwise.  We also expect a swift and public reversal of this decision.

Respectfully,

Rep. Dana Criswell, District 6
Rep. Dan Eubanks, District 25
Rep. Robert Foster, District 24
Rep. Jeff Hale, District 28
Rep. Ashley Henley, District 40
Rep. Becky Currie, District 92
Rep. Bill Kinkade, District 52
Rep. Steve Hopkins, District 7
Rep. Vince Mangold, District 53
Rep. Shane Barnett, District 86
Rep. Lester “Bubba” Carpenter, District 1