(CNN)The Obama administration will issue guidance on Friday directing schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.
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The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice released a joint letter of guidance Friday to public schools nationwide urging inclusion of transgender students, most notably transgender bathrooms.
Hillsborough County Schools already lists gender identity protection in its districtwide nondiscrimination policy.
The governor’s remarks come just hours after the Obama administration sent a letter to the nation’s schools that issued guidelines on how to treat transgender students.
With a jab at another job Patrick has held, Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, said, “I think this does underscore the risk of electing a right-wing radio host to a statewide office”.
Smith says the district probably could not afford to not comply with the news guidelines because they get millions of dollars in federal funds. HB2 includes measures that prohibit public school students from using school facilities consistent with their chosen gender identity. Schools can not require transgender students to have a medical diagnosis, undergo medical treatment or produce an identifying document before treating them consistent with their gender identity.
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.
Republican Gov. Pat McCrory of North Carolina sued the U.S. government hours before the U.S. Justice Department sued North Carolina.
School Board President Paru Shah said Saturday that she learned of its inclusion from district administrators.
Reuters reports the guidance contains “an implicit threat that school districts defying the Obama administration’s interpretation of the law could face lawsuits or be deprived of federal aid,”. There are 1,350 students in his school and about six transgender children. And Lincoln Public Schools says they aren’t anxious.
“I haven’t reviewed that letter, but I don’t think any decision that comes from the federal government dictating what each school must do is probably a good idea”.
“All students deserve a safe and positive learning environment”, spokeswoman Brittany Halpin said.
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Amy Jacobs, a spokeswoman for Lucia Mar Unified School District, said district schools are all in compliance with state law regarding restroom use.
