The Obama Administration is directing public schools across the country to let transgender students use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. A letter went out to schools Friday, detailing how to best prevent discrimination. Kathleen Rodgers is the head of Equity and Diversity at Leon County Schools, and she says the district is ahead of the curve.
“It’s that individual’s right, in terms of identifying or presenting themselves as they are. And fundamentally what we need to do and what is understood is that if they identify as such then we should allow them the freedom to use the bathroom that they identify with,” she said.
Rodgers says the district is still adapting to new policies. And while there may be growing pains, she hopes the community continues to respect the rights of transgender people.
"I have to say that they are pretty scared because they are wondering always how individuals are going to accept them, and how individuals are going to treat them. So it's not easy for them either," she said.
The district is already training administrators and staff, and working with transgender and gender non-conforming individuals on a case by case basis.
