A coalition of attorneys general from 15 states and D.C. have written a letter to Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, expressing concerns that his request for information about the provision of gender-affirming care to Florida university students experiencing gender dysphoria violates the privacy and rights of transgender students. The letter, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, cautions Governor DeSantis that his actions are violating federal protections against discrimination in accessing healthcare. It also notes that collecting this information may pave the way for the governor to unconstitutionally target and limit the programs that transgender students rely on for healthcare and well-being.
DeSantis’ budget director, Chris Spencer, sent a survey in mid-January to all 28 state colleges and universities, requesting the numbers and ages of students who sought or received gender dysphoria treatment, including sex reassignment surgery and hormone prescriptions. This survey has raised concerns among the attorneys general that DeSantis may use this information to eliminate funding for necessary gender-affirming health care for students, particularly given his prior actions targeting the LGBTQIA community, such as cutting off funding under Medicaid for gender-affirming care and calling upon the Florida Board of Medicine to prohibit the use of puberty blockers and other gender-affirming care for people under 18.
Transgender young people are among the most vulnerable populations in the country, experiencing higher rates of bullying, violence, sexual assault, and other forms of discrimination at school than their cisgender peers. The letter also outlines the mental health concerns for trans students, including higher rates of houselessness, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and suicidality. The attorneys general urge Governor DeSantis to reconsider his actions, arguing that they jeopardize the health, safety, and well-being of young people and their families, contravene well-accepted medical standards, violate students’ rights under federal law, and offend basic human rights.