Texas Official Responds to Bathroom Directive
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of Texas said the state "will not yield," referring to the Obama administration's directive telling public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.
By CBS, VIA REUTERS on Publish Date May 13, 2016. Photo by LM Otero/Associated Press.
On Friday, the Obama administration sent a letter to every public school district in the country stating that transgender students should be allowed to use the bathrooms that match their gender identity. The letter also implied that schools that do not comply with the directive could face lawsuits or a loss of federal aid.
Whom do you think should determine the rules about restroom access for transgender students: the federal government, state governments, school districts, school leaders such as principals, teachers, parents or others?
Note: We also have a related Student Question post from March, “Should Transgender People Be Allowed to Use the Bathroom of Their Choice?”
In “Transgender Directives for Schools Draw Reaction From Across the Country,” Christina Hauser summarizes the criticism and support that followed Friday’s release of federal guidance to public school districts:
Rodney Cavness, a school superintendent in Port Neches, Tex., told a news reporter:
He ain’t my president and he can’t tell me what to do. That letter is going straight to the paper shredder. I have five daughters myself and I have 2,500 girls in my protection. Their moms and dads expect me to protect them.
Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader, said on Twitter:
Thank you @USEDGov for standing up for transgender students by ensuring all students feel welcome and safe!
Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, said on the “Today” show that he did not believe it was an issue for the federal government:
Let the states decide. I think it’s much better as a local issue. I don’t think it’s a federal issue where the federal government gets involved. And I see what’s happening. It’s become such a big situation. Everybody has to be protected and I feel strongly about that but you’re talking about a tiny, tiny group of population.
The Transgender Law Center’s executive director, Kris Hayashi, expressed gratitude:
Transgender students, like all students, just want to be able to go to school, be with their friends, and get an education without having to worry about being singled out and made to feel different.
Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:
— Whose views on school restroom access for transgender students are most in line with your own? Explain.
— Do you think the federal government should have the right to sue or withhold funding from schools that do not comply with the directive? Why or why not?
— What do you think is the best solution for this issue? Why?
— The article quotes a New York Times reader who wrote on Facebook that there should be restrooms just for transgender students. What do you think about that idea?
Students 13 and older are invited to comment below. All comments are moderated by Learning Network staff members, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.