Indiana Superintendent of Public Education Glenda Ritz and many central Indiana public school systems have responded to the gender identity bathroom directive by President Barack Obama to be issued on Friday.
Obama directed public schools to permit transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.
The guidance says public schools have to treat their students in a way that matches their gender identity, even if their documents indicate a different sex.
Ritz said, in part,
"In Indiana, we have already seen schools take steps to ensure that their students and staff feel safe regardless of race, religion, sex or gender identity. I support their efforts, and will continue to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn in a safe and welcoming environment."
REVISED statement from Glenda Ritz on @TheJusticeDept directive on transgender students @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/Wrmdw8LCGl
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) May 13, 2016
According to a statement released Friday, IPS says it is complying with national and state leadership:
Indianapolis Public Schools believes no student should feel unwelcome on their own campus; this philosophy was echoed by our national leaders in the U.S. Department of Education this week. As gender identity can be a delicate topic for students, families and staff, district leadership will continue thoughtful efforts to serve our students with sensitivity and fairness. We currently implement solutions on a case-by-case basis to ensure the rights and safety of all students are protected, and we will tailor our efforts as needed to address the directives of the U.S. Department of Education. The wellbeing of our students is paramount, and IPS will certainly follow the guidance of our national and state leadership.
Gov. Mike Pence released a statement Friday afternoon decrying the directive, saying the federal government has "no business" getting involved in the issue:
"I have long believed that education is a state and local function. Policies regarding the security and privacy of students in our schools should be in the hands of Hoosier parents and local schools, not bureaucrats in Washington, DC. The federal government has no business getting involved in issues of this nature. I am confident that parents, teachers and administrators will continue to resolve these matters without federal mandates and in a manner that reflects the common sense and compassion of our state."
Below are the following statements from school organizations in central Indiana:
Washington Township
We are seeking counsel as to the binding impact of the situation as we await the “Dear Colleague” letter from the US Dept. of Education with the precise mandates that would be set forth.
Wayne Township
We are still awaiting the letter from President Obama regarding use of school bathrooms by transgender students. When we receive it we will certainly study it carefully and consider its implications for our district. It is our district policy that decisions regarding students and staff are made free from consideration of factors such as gender identification.
Center Grove
Center Grove strives to provide a safe, positive, caring, and nurturing environment for all of our students. We have bylaws and policies in place to maintain an education and work environment that is free from any form of discrimination or harassment for our students and our staff. We plan to carefully review the Department of Justice letter and determine whether any policy adjustments are necessary.
Franklin Township
Franklin Township welcomes all students and strives to provide a safe inclusive educational setting for students. We believe in the importance of working with parents, students and staff to assure that everyone in our schools are treated in a fair and safe manner. Following today’s release of information from the US Department of Education and the expected guidance from the Indiana Department of Education regarding transgender students, we will use the upcoming weeks to address any necessary changes to our procedures. Until then, we will continue our practice of gender neutral restrooms while we work with our legal counsel regarding the binding authority of the US Department of Education’s letter.
Perry Township
"Common sense and compassion goes a long way on all sensitive issues that involve children and their families. In our schools it is and will continue to be our practice to deal directly with the person, and their families. Our goal is to address concerns in a safe and supportive manner that protects the privacy and dignity of all children that attend our schools in Perry Township."
Beech Grove
Our school board will be reviewing it and will let parents know.
Zionsville, Hamilton Southeastern, Brownsburg, Avon and Noblesville all had no statement to give RTV6.
