Shocking Video: Colorado school board member recommends castration for transgender students

Delta County, CO school board member Katherine Svenson was caught on tape making shockingly disturbing comments about transgender students, suggesting they shouldn’t be able to use the restroom unless they are castrated. This kind of dangerous misinformation is sad to hear, to say the least.

At Transgender Law Center, we often hear from youth who are being excluded from fully participating at school. This exclusion, which would be hard for anyone, can impede on their ability to succeed in school and graduate on time. Federal courts have ruled in cases in Colorado and in California that transgender students should be able to fully participate in school facilities and programs as their authentic selves. Furthermore, the School Success and Opportunity Act, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, restated existing California law that makes sure transgender students have a fair chance to participate and succeed in school.