Superintendent Explains Transgender Restroom Policy

District Superintendent Jonathan Greenberg said the transgender restroom policy in place for Paloma Valley High School (above) and Heritag...

District Superintendent Jonathan Greenberg said the transgender restroom policy in place for Paloma Valley High School (above) and Heritage High (below) has worked well.

The superintendent of the district that includes Paloma Valley and Heritage high schools said he believes the district has a policy in place that is appropriate for transgender restroom use and "has been successful" thus far.

Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, superintendent of the Perris Union High School District, said he has not seen a copy of the directive that is being sent to all public schools in the U.S. by the Obama administration, saying schools must permit transgender students restroom and locker room access consistent with their gender identity. He said, however, that the issue is not new to PUHSD and he believes the district's current policy is working and that he hopes it would be considered compliant.

"We have some transgender students now and we have had some in past years," Greenberg said. "We have been able to convince them to use a gender neutral restroom in the nurse's office. This policy has been successful; no one has opposed it.

"We believe we have been able to respect everybody's rights. I have met with kids and their families regarding this issue, and the policy seems to be working. We just haven't put out a statement publicly because we feel they have a right to privacy."

The directive being sent out to public schools isn't new legislation. Title IX, enacted in 1972, prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funding. This interpretation of Title IX as it applies to restroom and locker room use is being presented now as part of the Justice Department's legal battle with the state of North Carolina. According to federal officials, North Carolina's recent bathroom access law violates the rights of transgender people.

The issue has become a topic of discussion in light of the policy changes of some major companies that protect the rights of transgender people to use the restroom with which they identify. According to an article in the Washington Post, more than 1.2 million people have signed a petition opposing Target's new policy, with many saying they are boycotting Target stores.

Concern has been expressed by some parents, both on a national and local level, that implementation of this policy at public schools would be a violation of the privacy of students who wouldn't feel comfortable using restrooms or locker rooms under these circumstances. Although he admits PUHSD officials will have to study the directive and determine if any adjustments need to be made, Greenberg said he is confident the district's current practices are successful and that abuse of this policy by students could be avoided.

"I'm not making a judgement over gender identity," Greenberg said. "I do believe that society as a whole is not yet where some are on this issue. I realize we could run up against some who are very opposed to this policy, as well as some students who might try to take advantage of it. But I assure you, we will not allow any pranks by students trying to enter a restroom inappropriately. A transgender student should come forward and notify us of the situation so we are aware of their needs.

"So far, the students we are aware of have been grateful of the privacy option we offer. Actually, they don't seem to be comfortable in either the boys or girls restrooms, so they appreciate the use of a private facility in the nurse's office to use the restroom or change clothes.

"Schools must show some sort of ability to help kids who are different, no matter what the difference is."

Menifee Union School District, which includes three middle schools, released the following statement following the announcement of the Obama administration directive:

"MUSD will continue to make every effort to protect the dignity and privacy of all students in our educational environment in compliance with state and federal law. We are committed to working with our families and our Menifee community in providing safe, secure facilities for all students."

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Post a Comment

  1. It is easier to make a "one-holer" universal bathroom available to those who cannot decide whether to stand or sit. This resolves the issue non-politically and allays the fears of others. Thank you Perris for showing some intelligence.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry. Society is so much different then decades ago. Good luck.

    ReplyDelete

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