Locals Check the Ins and Outs of New Federal School Bathroom Guidelines

As reported by WBAL-TV 11, the Maryland State Department of Education and local school boards are reviewing new federal guidance on transgender bathrooms in schools.

WBAL-TV 11 gathered responses to transgender bathroom guidance issued by the White House late last weekend from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and local boards of education. From WBAL,

MSDE said it’s reviewing the guidance from federal officials to determine whether there is additional information that it can give to Maryland school systems.

“MSDE put out guidelines earlier this school year that have been very helpful in guiding school systems across the state,” said Kami Wagner, acting instructional facilitator for school counseling and related services at the Howard County Public School System.

Most local school districts said they will comply with the new mandates from the U.S. Department of Education, and said they have already made a commitment to ensure that transgender students are respected and feel safe in school.

As described by the US Department of Education, the guidance was a response to requests from the public,

In recent months, we’ve heard from a growing chorus of educators, parents, and students around the country about the need for guidance on how schools can successfully support transgender students and non-transgender students in compliance with federal civil rights laws. In fact, just this week, the National Association of Secondary School Principals called for the Department to release guidance and best practices on creating an inclusive and respectful environment.

For more information, see the full story from WBAL, Maryland school systems review federal bathroom mandate, and W.H. issues guidance on transgender bathrooms, and from Homeroom, the blog of the US Department of Education, Helping Schools Ensure the Civil Rights of Transgender Students.

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