Another attempt by the Trump Administration to strip civil rights away from students
The Trump Administration proposes using regulatory tricks to roll back civil rights protections for students athletes. Plus, Senator Tobin is named co-chair of the Task Force on Education Funding.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This morning, I woke up to some horrific news. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that instead of doctors, parents, and young trans and gender non-conforming individuals making their own healthcare decisions, politicians can now legislate access to these complex and often life-sustaining medical practices.
As I’ve mentioned in many newsletters, gender-affirming health care is indeed health care, and the government has no right to prevent trans Americans from accessing essential medical interventions. This decision is simply wrong.
As we approach Anchorage Pride (June 28th), I urge you to march with me on the Delaney Park Strip. Let's march together as a united front in support of our LGBTQIA+ community. Remember, our joy is an act of defiance, and we must stand together to resist the erosion of our human rights.
- In solidarity,
Löki Gale Tobin
U.S. Department of Energy seeks to dismantle civil rights for students and student athletes
Buried under a mountain of newly proposed regulation changes are two efforts by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that could significantly alter the future of education and civil rights. The DOE is seeking to withhold over $3.5 billion in funding for schools and universities across the country and to rescind vital civil rights protections for students and student-athletes.
DOE is using a regulatory procedure called a Direct Final Rule (DFR) to eliminate the requirement that schools allow students of the opposite sex to try out for a non-contact sports team if their school does not have one for their sex.
Let's put this into perspective. The rule explicitly targets trans and female athletes, affecting girls and young women across Alaska. They would be precluded from trying out and competing against boys in non-contact sports, such as skiing or track and field. This is not just a national issue, it's a local one that directly impacts our community.
The second regulatory change under consideration will make it difficult for schools and universities to offer specific programs to women and girls, hindering their ability to gain access to traditionally male-dominated jobs and professions.
Time is of the essence. The Trump Administration is attempting to use a regulatory workaround that allows for “non-controversial regulation changes” to go into effect if significant public comment has not been received. These changes are currently scheduled to take effect on July 15. We must act now to prevent this from happening.
Your voice matters. Please consider contacting the members of Alaska's Congressional Delegation to ask them to rein in this abuse of power by the Trump administration and stand up for the individual rights and freedoms of every student in Alaska.
Alaska Legislature Appoints Task Force to Focus on Education Funding
The Task Force will analyze several factors, including school accountability, chronic absenteeism, and open enrollment between school districts.
In May, the Alaska State Legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto to ensure that House Bill 57 would become law. The bill included a $700 increase to base student funding and authorized a multi-year Task Force on Education Funding.
Co-chaired by Senator Löki Gale Tobin, D-Anchorage, and Representative Rebecca Himschoot, I-Sitka, the Task Force on Education Funding membership includes:
Senator Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau
Senator Mike Cronk, R-Tok
Representative Andi Story, D-Juneau (Co-chair of the House Education Committee)
Representative Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna
“The members of this task force bring real-world experience that will be invaluable as we work to improve Alaska’s public education system,” said Senator Löki Gale Tobin, co-chair of the newly formed Task Force on Education Funding.
“This task force is an opportunity to take a deep look at the many funding challenges facing Alaska’s school districts, from energy and insurance and other fixed costs to annual maintenance and operations expenses,” said Representative Rebecca Himschoot, co-chair of the Task Force on Education Funding.
In addition to analyzing education funding, the Task Force will make recommendations related to a statewide open enrollment policy and ways to address chronic student absenteeism. The Task Force will also propose policies related to school major maintenance and construction.
The Task Force on Education Funding will hold an organizational meeting in mid-to-late August, followed by monthly meetings until the start of the 2026 legislative session.
