A new directive from the Obama administration is causing controversy in schools throughout the nation.
In accordance with Title IX,every public school district in the country must uphold the rights of transgender students. Among those rights is allowing them to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti appeared on Monday’s First Coast Connect to discuss what this means to Duval County students.
“We have been problem solving on these issues for quite some time.” Vitti said. “I don’t think people recognize that.”
Based on previous Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policies, Duval County schools have been working on these issues and is already protecting the individual rights of students, including transgender students. Vitti believes because the issue has garnered national attention, many parents might think this is a new issue.
“Over the past several years we’ve had transgender students come forward — usually at a school level — and that issue bubbles up to the district level so we can problem solve to make sure we can accommodate students based on their individual needs and rights, but also based on the needs, rights, and safety of all students.” Vitti said.
The Department of Education recently sent a letter to every public school district, providingguidanceon the rights of transgender students. If schools do not comply with the Obama administration’s directive, schools could face a lawsuit or loss of federal funding.
Vitti said a policy is already in place protecting the rights of all Duval County public school students.
“Our role as a school district is to actively communicate, to problem solve, so that all students feel safe and comfortable.” Vitti said. “I think we have done that, and will continue to do that.”
While Duval County is compliant with the directive, North Carolina recently passed a law limiting the use of bathrooms to the gender listed on a birth certificate. Vitti believes there needs to be more training and open dialog.
“I think it’s about communicating with the transgender student and the parent, in an open, genuine, transparent way,” Vitti said. “... Ultimately if that student prefers the other gender restroom then that is something we will accommodate and problem solve."