Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus of the State Legislature were joined by members of several advocacy groups to denounce President Trump's reversal of Obama-era protections for transgender students.
Members of the Caucus, including Democratic State Senator Ricardo Lara, say the Trump Administration's reversal of the guidelines that direct schools to allow transgender students to use restrooms that match their gender identity puts the Administration in the role of "bully" and puts those students' safety at risk.
Natasha Minsker with the American Civil Liberties Union argues that the White House can't change the meaning of the federal law known as "Title IX" which the Obama Administration used to create the guidelines.
"Every transgender person in the state should know this," says Minsker. "You are protected by the Constitution and the laws of the state and we stand with you, ready to fight and enforce those rights.
The group also says that regardless of this move from Washington, California law offers transgender students strong protections.