White House Orders Schools to Let Trans Students Use Bathrooms

"The desire to accommodate others’ discomfort cannot justify a policy that singles out and disadvantages a particular class of students."
From: NewNowNext

 The White House is issuing a “sweeping directive” to every public school district in America, ordering them to allow transgender students to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.

The New York Times reports a letter that went out Friday states “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.”

It declares that schools have an obligation under federal law “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.”

 Among the dictates: Once a parent or guardian asserts a gender identity for a student that “differs from previous representations or records,” the child should be treated accordingly—without the need for a medical diagnosis or birth certificate.

The order, signed by officials from the Justice Department and the Department of Education, is not not the same as a law, but violators could face civil rights lawsuits or the loss of federal aid.

“The desire to accommodate others’ discomfort,” it warns, “cannot justify a policy that singles out and disadvantages a particular class of students.”

Attached to the message is a 25-page document spelling out more best practices for schools with trans or gender-nonconforming students.

 It’s a shot across the bow in the ongoing national debate on trans rights—while some states are trying to pass North Carolina-style “bathroom bills,” target and other major retailers are making their trans-friendly practices very clear.

Earlier this week, Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced the Department of Justice had filed a suit against North Carolina over HB2, announcing “We stand with you. And we will do everything we can to protect you going forward.”