BREAKING: Obama Admin to Issue Sweeping Decree Protecting Transgender Students From Discrimination

Directive Will State All Transgender Students Must Be Able to Use Restrooms and Locker Rooms That Correspond With Their Gender Identity

In a sweeping decree the Obama administration on Friday will instruct all public schools across the nation that transgender students must be allowed to use restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. The instruction will come as a letter signed by officials in the Dept. of Eduction and the Dept. of Justice.

The New York Times, first reporting the policy, notes the directive will not carry the full weight of law, but schools that discriminate against transgender students will face possible withholding of federal funds.

“A school may not require transgender students to use facilities inconsistent with their gender identity or to use individual-user facilities when other students are not required to do so,” the letter will state, according to the Times. 

The letter will also state that under federal law a school’s obligation “to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of sex requires schools to provide transgender students equal access to educational programs and activities even in circumstances in which other students, parents, or community members raise objections or concerns.”

“As is consistently recognized in civil rights cases, the desire to accommodate others’ discomfort cannot justify a policy that singles out and disadvantages a particular class of students.”

The Times adds the administration’s letter “says that schools may — but are not required to — provide other restroom and locker room options to students who seek ‘additional privacy’ for whatever reason.”

“No student should ever have to go through the experience of feeling unwelcome at school or on a college campus,” John B. King Jr., Secretary of Education, said in a statement. “We must ensure that our young people know that whoever they are or wherever they come from, they have the opportunity to get a great education in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence.”

 

This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.