NY AG James sued over 2025 letter warning school board members they could be removed for discussing transgender student issues.

New York Attorney General Letitia James faces a federal lawsuit over a May 2025 guidance letter warning school board members they could be removed for allowing public discussions on transgender student issues, such as bathroom and sports participation, if deemed harmful or violating privacy rights. The Southeastern Legal Foundation, representing school board members and parents, argues the letter unconstitutionally restricts free speech and creates a chilling effect on public debate, despite the state's claim that it only interprets existing laws. The dispute centers on balancing LGBTQ+ student protections with First Amendment rights in school board meetings, with critics calling the guidance vague and politically motivated.