Daugaard to meet transgender students Tuesday
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is set to meet Tuesday with transgender students and directors of the Center for Equality ahead of his decision on a so-called transgender bathroom bill.
Daugaard's spokeswoman Kelsey Pritchard and Center for Equality Spokeswoman Ashley Joubert-Gaddis said the meeting would occur Tuesday at an undisclosed time and location. They said the meeting would not be publicized or open to the media or others to ensure the privacy of those involved.
The meeting comes after Daugaard said earlier this month that he'd not met a transgender person and felt he didn't need to before deciding to approve or veto H.B. 1008.
Gov. Daugaard, you met a transgender person: me
Transgender bathroom bill awaits Daugaard's signature
The bill would bar transgender students in South Dakota public schools from using bathrooms, locker rooms and shower facilities of the gender with which they identify. Supporters say it enhances the privacy of all students while opponents say it's discriminatory.
The Center for Equality is also set to host an awareness session Tuesday on the Capitol grounds at which transgender people will share their stories and ask lawmakers to oppose a set of bills that they say discriminate against them.
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