The new directives issued by the White House saying all schools should allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms "consistent with their gender identity” won't have much impact on Colorado's largest district.
A spokesperson for Denver Public Schools says they've been following a similar directive for nearly five years.
According to Eldridge Greer, the district's Executive Director of Whole Child Supports, when a student identifies as transgender, the district immediately begins to make the necessary accommodations, including addressing the child by their preferred name and pronoun, as well as allowing them their choice of bathroom.
Students can either use a private restroom, or the restroom consistent with their gender identity.
“What we have found in the past several years in supporting our transgendered students is that it’s really not the students that have any issues with this, it’s more of the adults who have to get used to the fact that transgendered students have just as many rights and needs as all others at Denver Public Schools," Greer said.
9NEWS Psychologist Dr. Max Wachtel says the new directive could be a very good thing for transgender students and their peers.
Wachtel says the feeling of “acceptance” can often lead to success for those that are otherwise seen as outsiders.
"A transgendered child's peers are going to grow up with that person and think well that's just the way people are and that’s OK, " Wachtel said.
The Jefferson County School District also responded to the new directive through the statement below.
“The announcement has no implications to our district because we’ve already been following a policy that meets the guidelines.”
Two Republican state senators says Colorado should ignore the new directive.
"This is absurd," said Colorado Senate Assistant Majority Leader Kevin Lundberg (R-Berthoud) in a statement. "The US Department of Education must not have much to do if they are now spending time on public school bathroom policies in Denver, Danville and Duluth. Plain and simple, this is none of their business and totally beyond Congressional intent in the enactment of Title IX. Therefore, it is a policy Colorado should ignore."
"This is sheer insanity," added Senator Kevin Grantham (R-Canon City).
