The Out Accountability Project and Equality Connecticut are deeply concerned about the recent directed investigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights targeting Cromwell Public Schools’ inclusion of LGBTQ+ students. This investigation, which questions the district’s efforts to create an inclusive learning environment, comes at a time when LGBTQ+—and especially transgender—students are already facing unprecedented levels of hostility nationwide.
The importance of this moment cannot be overstated. Across the country, a wave of politically motivated misinformation is fueling efforts to roll back basic rights and dignity for LGBTQ+ youth. In this climate, school districts have a special responsibility to rise above politics and provide every student—regardless of their identity—a chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive learning environment. This development underscores the critical importance of upholding Connecticut’s civil rights laws that ensure all students, regardless of gender identity and expression, have equal access to educational opportunities and are protected from discrimination.
We stand firmly with LGBTQ+ students and their families in Cromwell and across Connecticut. Every student deserves to learn in an environment that respects their identity and promotes inclusivity. Policies that marginalize or exclude transgender youth not only violate their rights but also hinder their academic and personal development.
We urge Cromwell Public Schools to protect LGBTQ+ students from invasive, unlawful government overreach and to take immediate steps to align their policies with state statutes that protect the rights of all students. We also call on local and regional education agencies throughout the state to reaffirm their commitment to all students, ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and valued.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and stand ready to support LGBTQ+ students, their families, and educators committed to inclusion and dignity for all. In the meantime, consider joining us Tuesday, June 3rd for a peaceful show of support for LGBTQ+ students in Cromwell.
For further information or to speak with us, please contact:
Melissa Combs (she/her)
Out Accountability Project
203.909.1209
info at outaccountabilityproject.org