An Elgin transgender middle school student was, on Sept. 6, allowed access to the locker room of the gender identity with which they identified. Though one District U-46 school board member did issue online objections about the matter being addressed without a board vote, school administrators maintained that the matter was resolved fairly and in compliance with federal Title IX regulations, according to Chicago Tribune.
Board member Jeanette Ward, on Sept. 5., posted to Facebook that "Students who identify as the opposite gender ( regardless of biological sex ) will be able to use the locker room that corresponds with the gender with which they identify, at the same time as other students. U-46 has opted not to inform parents or the community at large of this change. I am informing you."
Ward later told the Tribune that she was concerned that the situation being handled without consultation with parents or the community set an unhealthy precedent. She also said that locker room situation presented safety challenges. Her views on LGBT-issues had previously been challenged by the community.
The name of the student, their gender identity and school have not been publicly identified.
District CEO Tony Sanders said that school administrators had previously assisted transgender students and directly addressed each situation on a case-by-case basis. Most transgender students in the past had requested to change in a staff washroom or the nurse's office. This was the first request from a transgender student to use the locker room corresponding with their gender identity, he added.
Sanders also said that school board members were apprised of the situation, but it was not presented for a vote since the district had a policy in place protecting students against discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
Transgender rights, especially as they relate to public accommodations, have made headlines in a number of school districts in recent months. Palatine-based Township High School District 211 has been at the center of controversy since it ran afoul of federal regulators when it did not adequately address the locker room request of a transgender student. The district cut a deal with federal authorities to accommodate the student and stay in compliance with Title IX regulations, but is now being sued along with the federal government by other students' families.
Chicago Tribune's story is at trib.in/2cdhAeK .