While the feds and North Carolina officials litigate transgender rights, the Obama administration is planning to issue a sweeping decree telling public schools that transgender students must be allowed to use bathrooms that match their gender identity, reports the New York Times.
The Justice and Education Departments letter distributed to school districts Friday, describes how schools should prevent discrimination.
Schools that do not follow the Obama Administration’s interpretation of the law could face lawsuits, or even a loss of federal aid.
In a blog post accompanying the letter, Justice and Education department officials said, the decree was issued in the wake of inquiries from educators, parents, and students from across the country.
On Friday, schools and transgender students reacted, as the Department of Education Secretary was in Milwaukee Friday night, speaking at the MATC graduation being held at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
College students interviewed by TODAY'S TMJ4 said they are happy to have the support, but think the fight's not over yet.
“It’s definitely [going] to go to the courts, and there will be states that don’t follow it," said a Sarah DeGeorge, a transgender student.
TODAY'S TMJ4 met Sarah DeGeorge at the UW-Milwaukee student union. DeGeorge was born male, but identifies female. She says the school's done a good job making her feel comfortable using the women's rest room.
"You can use the bathroom that aligns with your gender identity. The campus also has a number of single stall restrooms," said DeGeorge.
But what transgender students haven't had an easy time with took center stage in January. Someone complained that Justine Kramer was in the women's locker room sauna. Kramer who was born male, is legally a female. She is currently undergoing hormone therapy.
"When people don’t look like people think you’re supposed to look, it causes a lot of problems and anxiety. The day after I was kicked out and the night after that, I got really depressed," said Kramer.
