Public Schools Will Have to Allow Transgender Access to Restrooms

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(Newswire.net — May 14, 2016) —The new declaration, signed by both the Justice and Education Departments, does not have the force of law but it implies a threat: schools that do not abide by the Obama administration’s interpretation of the law could face lawsuits or a loss of federal aid.

The aim of the declaration is to ensure equal rights for all, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. After supporting the right of gay people to marry or to serve in the military, the administration now wants to allow transgender students access to restrooms in schools.

John B. King Jr., the secretary of the Department of Education, said in a statement that no student should feel unwelcome at school or campus, and everybody should have the opportunity to get an education in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence.

Officials from the Obama administration, emboldened by a federal appeals court ruling in Virginia last month, will send a directive to every public school in the country to allow transgender students to use restrooms that match their gender identity.

Last week, the Justice Department and North Carolina sued each other over a state law that restricts access to bathrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms, reports The New York Times.

 The new guidance says that a child should be treated accordingly, without any requirement for a medical diagnosis or birth certificate to be produced. Schools are not required but may provide other restrooms and locker rooms to students who seek additional privacy for whatever reasons.

 In 25-page document, schools will be informed about the possibility of installing privacy curtains or allowing students to change in bathroom stalls. These practices are already in place in many schools around the country.

Officials explained that the new rules are a response to questions from professors, parents and students across the US, seeking advice. The new guidance will help administrators across the country to define the best way to establish inclusive schools, said Thomas Aberli, a high school principal in Louisville, Ky. There are 1,350 students in his school and about six transgender children.

Opinions are still divided about the new guidelines. Officials in North Carolina claim that it is inappropriate to allow transgender women to use the same bathroom as young girls, with some Republicans have defended North Carolina’s law.