Maybe. An Education Department spokesperson told ABC15 that this guidance letter is meant for schools to come into “voluntary compliance with federal law”.
Advertisement
A student’s chosen gender identity, says the directive, falls under Title IX, and “a school must not treat a transgender student differently from the way it treats other students of the same gender identity”.
Guidance issued Friday offers advice on everything from sports teams and dress codes to respecting requests for privacy from nontransgender youngsters.
Ryan Sawyers, the president of the Prince William County School Board, said the issue has been in the county’s attention since a Gloucester County transgender student brought a discrimination case to court and the Fourth Circuit recently ruled in his favor.
The letter, first obtained by the Times, is signed by officials at the Justice Department and Department of Education.
Transgender students also have to follow the dress code of the gender they identify with.
The guidance contained an implicit threat that school districts defying the Obama administration’s interpretation of the law could face lawsuits or be deprived of federal aid.
In February, parents at Rancho Bernardo High School – part of Poway Unified – complained after a student born female but who identifies as male began using the boys locker room. “And we know that teachers and administrators care deeply about all of their students and want them to succeed in school and life”, said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
“We’re certainly going to hear push-back among our members and people they represent in their communities”, Kremer said.
The American Civil Liberties Union said the guidance would help make students “free to bring their whole selves to school”.
Vitti said a policy is already in place protecting the rights of all Duval County public school students.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the guidance provides educators with tools they need when setting a school policy that provides a safe learning environment for all.
Kansas City public schools in Missouri have informed employees and students that they may be reprimanded for not using students’ preferred pronouns and names.
Joliet Public Schools District 86 officials said their policies already comply with the Obama administration’s directive.
Advertisement
“Our role as a school district is to actively communicate, to problem solve, so that all students feel safe and comfortable”. The district said students feeling uncomfortable with same-sex bathrooms or seeking more privacy could also use private bathroom alternatives, regardless of the underlying reason.
