Advertisement Vermont, New York officials take stand on transgender students despite Trump State officials in Vermont and New York are taking a stand against President Donald Trump's administration's federal policy on gender identity. Share Shares Copy Link Copy

State officials in Vermont and New York are taking a stand against President Donald Trump's administration's federal policy on gender identity. Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan re-affirmed the state's commitment to protecting residents' civil rights. In a statement released Thursday, Donovan said students have been entitled to state protections even before former President Barack Obama's administration took a position on transgender rights. Trump's administration announced Wednesday that it was lifting an Obama-era policy allowing students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. That decision leaves it up to states and school districts to decide their own policies. “It has been nearly 10 years since Vermont outlawed gender identity discrimination," Donovan said. "Since then, we’ve seen broad acceptance of Vermonters of all kinds and an overall embrace of our kids, who deserve our support. We will continue to support all of our kids and all Vermonters regardless of their gender identity. We will enforce our state laws against any one that attempts to deny Vermonters their right to fair treatment.” The Burlington School District also said it was committed to protecting transgender students' rights. “Everyone belongs and is welcome in oureducational community,” Superintendent Yaw Obeng said. “The District has workedhard to build a culture that is focused on equity, diversity and inclusion. Ourwork will continue to cultivate an environment where differences are valued andcelebrated.” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state will continue to allow transgender students to use public school bathrooms of their choice. The Democratic governor called the administration's actions "misguided" and said they seek to move the country backward. “As the federal government seeks to roll back the progress we have achieved toward equality, we in New York will never stop fighting to ensure the LBGTQ community and all Americans are afforded the equal protections guaranteed to them by the United States constitution," Cuomo said. Cuomo issued a directive to state education officials Thursday that he said makes it clear public schools in the state must abide by a state statute protecting students from discrimination, harassment or bullying based on gender and gender identity. “In New York, whether you are gay, straight or transgender, Muslim, Jewish or Christian, rich or poor, black or white or brown, we respect all people -- and we will continue to enforce our laws and stand united against those who seek to drive us apart," Cuomo said. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman echoed the governor's position. “The Trump Administration’s decision to rescind this guidance sends a dangerous and divisive message and threatens some of our most vulnerable young people,” Schneiderman said. "My office will use all the existing tools of federal, state, and local law to ensure that transgender kids are safe in their schools and are provided equal access to all programming and facilities consistent with their gender identity." Download the MyNBC5 app | Like MyNBC5 on Facebook The Associated Press contributed to this report.