Obama Administration Issues Transgender Bathroom Guidance For Schools
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – On Friday the Obama administration issued guidance for public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms that match their gender identity.
A joint letter from the Department of Justice and Department of Education (READ LETTER HERE) was sent to schools today with guidelines on how to treat transgender students.
The letter is not a statement of law but it does suggest that if a school district does not comply they could lose federal funds.
For clarification the letter indicates what Gender identity is;
“Gender identity refers to an individual’s internal sense of gender. A person’s gender identity may be different from or the same as the person’s sex assigned at birth.”
…and
“Transgender describes those individuals whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. A transgender male is someone who identifies as male but was assigned the sex of female at birth; a transgender female is someone who identifies as female but was assigned the sex of male at birth.”
Under the section called “Compliance with Title IX” the letter states:
“As a condition of receiving Federal funds, a school agrees that it will not exclude, separate, deny benefits to, or otherwise treat differently on the basis of sex any person in its educational programs or activities unless expressly authorized to do so under Title IX or its implementing regulations.”
In the section called “Safe and Nondiscriminatory Environment” the letter states:
“Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students, including transgender students. Harassment that targets a student based on gender identity, transgender status, or gender transition is harassment based on sex, and the Departments enforce Title IX accordingly.9 If sex-based harassment creates a hostile environment, the school must take prompt and effective steps to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and, as appropriate, remedy its effects. A school’s failure to treat students consistent with their gender identity may create or contribute to a hostile environment in violation of Title IX.”
In the section called “Identification Documents, Names, and Pronouns” the letter states;
“Under Title IX, a school must treat students consistent with their gender identity even if their education records or identification documents indicate a different sex. 
The Departments have resolved Title IX investigations with agreements committing that school staff and contractors will use pronouns and names consistent with a transgender student’s gender identity.”
Robertson County Schools
Robertson County Schools released the following statement in regards to the letter:
The Robertson County School system received a, “Dear Colleague,” letter from the U.S. Department of Education/Department of Justice regarding transgender restroom facilities. We will review the document and await further guidance from the Tennessee State Department of Education and the Tennessee State Board of Education on how to address the issue identified in the letter.
Legal battles across the country will likely delay the application of the the new gender bathroom policies.
Where do you stand on the issue? Tell us in comments below.
Smokey Barn News (Sponsor/Advertisement)
We bring you ALL the News in and surrounding Robertson County, Tennessee.
I have read all the comments posted here. There is no easy way to approach this subject matter. The fact is, it’s a very complicated issue for both sides of the this argument. However, the law of the land touches on rights of every citizen in regards to certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. And yes, through legislation and executive orders many of our laws have been changed, altered, and amended throughout our nation’s history good and bad. Although, the subject matter regarding the LGBT community has highlighted several issues regarding “rights”, “values”, and “concerns” to the public on both sides. We are a fractured nation at times being held hostage by political correctness, opinions and hate fueled by our elected officials and their personal agendas and/or constituents. Listen, I don’t know the answer or the outcome of all this and neither do you. However, I don’t believe hate or violence will solve the problem. I’m a family christian man and truly believe in the sanctity of God. That being said, it would be wise to seek knowledge and understanding of this very difficult topic before such disdain comments are made about something or someone you know very little about. We all have human designs flaws that may conflict or run counter with society norms that promote disgust, contempt and anger. But that doesn’t mean our public safety is at great risk for our families. I think our pride might be scared which, may be difficult to swallow for some us including myself. As far as the legality goes folks, it’s clear just read up on the Title IIV of the Civil Rights Act. You will you learn just how long and many changes have affected this controversal topic. Just note, each administration is pressured to act upon every percentage of the population to hopefully create equality in some shape or form in this country. The Obama Administration has had the widest liberal social agenda reach of any of our prior Presidential Administrations. President Obama’s political platform is very liberal and many have accused him of excessive political overreach, which maybe true in many cases. Just remember this, When President Obama was elected it was uncontested, in other words he was elected by the people. TWICE and not by me! My point to all this is, This topic was eventually going to be brought to center stage by some administration. It just so happen to align with President Obama’s perception of how America should be and his core values. Although, I’m not delighted by all this and nor do I approve it. But, I’m not naive to understand that our country is changing and will continue to do so for the near future. However, none of this means we are allowed to act upon our aggressions just because we don’t agree with it. We still have a responsibility to conduct ourselves with respect toward each other. The only way you oppose change, if that is your goal, is to show up and vote. And when you do vote make sure know and understand issue’s of each candidate not weather they are republican or democrat or they are just cool!
Honestly reading these comments left by “Christians” is funny because they are getting mad because a special book to them says it’s wrong and says they won’t get into “Heaven”. Honestly you should let people be people because that’s what we are just people on the same earth and Y’all are acting like y’all are perfect. Just let Everyone be themselves and move on with your life
If the government thinks this is such a good idea, why don’t they fund the remodeling of all public buildings to simply line the halls with single-person uni-sex bathrooms? Put the onus back on them.
From paragraph 7 above: “If sex-based harassment creates a hostile environment, the school must take prompt and effective steps to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and, as appropriate, remedy its effects.” “Sex-based harassment”????? If allowing men into women’s restrooms isn’t sex-based harassment of the women, I don’t know what is! Yes, this practice has already resulted in molestation and harm, but even if there is no physical contact, what about voyeurism and exhibitionism? Sometimes people need to change clothes or adjust things in a restroom! Where is the protection and privacy for the 99.9% of the women and girls? This is so absurd that it leaves my head reeling. DON’T DRINK THE KOOL-AID!!
I’m grateful for all the insightful comments illustrating the need for greater diversity and education in our community. I’m embarrassed by you and for you ignorant wretches. Go get another lotto ticket and a pack of smokes before you check your blood sugar. Thanks for the sad laughter.