convecricur seoneTARY SER Em tn Fe 23 P12 STATE OF CONNECTICUT BY HIS EXCELLENCY DDANNEL P. MALLOY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO.56 WHEREAS, the protection of cizens from discrimination is an essential role of government; WHEREAS, Connecticut has become a national leader in protecting cvl rights by enacting numerous laws that protect aainst discrimination on the bass of sex, sexual orientation, ender Identity, or gender expression; WHEREAS, the Connecticut tate Department of Education has previously issued guldance to schoo! districts to ensure thatour schools provide safe, supportive and non-disriminatory learning environments forall students ‘WHEREAS, such previous stare guidance was issued partially onthe bass of federal guidance, Interpreting federal aw, that sas since been withdrawn; WHEREAS, Connecticut law mandates that public schools be open to all ehildren, and that such cilldren have an equal oppurtunity to parttpate a school activities without regard to their gender ‘dentty or expression; WHEREAS, a schoo!’ failure o accommodate a student’ asserted gender identity or expression is subjectto enforcement actionby the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities WHEREAS, Connecticut law provides grester protections for transgender people than federal law, snaking clear that no person shall be dscriminated against because oftheir gender Identity or expression; WHEREAS, state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in all areas, including employment public accommodation, housing, credit, and education; WHEREAS, it isthe policy of the Stat of Connecticut and my administration to promote fairness and equality and to combat discrimination atall levels and to respect diversity within our State; NOW, THEREFORE, , DANNILP. MALLOY, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue ofthe power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes ofthe State of Connecticut do hereby ORDER AND DIRECT.1. Bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools and institutions of higher educations considered places of public accommodation; therefore, discrimination based on sex, including gender ideriy or expression, in uch places is prohbited by Connecticut law; and 2, The State Departmen: of ducation, in consultation with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, stall develop and present to the State Board of Education guidance to school dstiets consistent with Connecticut law on policies that allow student’ acess to al faliis in a manner consistent with 2 student's gender identity or expression and 3, The Board of Regentsand the University of Connecticut, in consultation with the (Commission on Hum Rights and Opportunities shal develop and present to the that allow student's respective Boards of Trustees poliles consistent with Conn access to school facies in a manner consistent witha student's gender identity or expression, This Order shall take elect immediately. Dated at Hartford Connecticut this 23rd day of Fabrvary, 2017 Governor ¢ By His Excelleney's Order bow Hen o— Denise W. Merrill Secretary ofthe State