Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is now encouraging school districts to ignore President Obama’s administrative directive regarding bathroom rights for transgender students.
While speaking in Austin on Tuesday, Patrick said he will send letters to all school superintendents about the matter, even though the move could cause the state to lose out on billions in federal funding.
Patrick has already stated that he would rather have Texas schools lose that money than comply with the federal directive.
News Channel 25 asked several local school districts to weigh in on the matter. Here’s what they had to say:
Temple ISD
“Based upon what I know now, this would be a court decision and not a local one. We will follow the law but not set precedent.”
Waco ISD
“Waco ISD's primary concern is the safety of our students, and be assured our administration and trustees know parents want their children (whether they are transgender or not) to be safe from physical and verbal harm while having their privacy needs met as well.
For years WISD has successfully worked with children with a wide array of unique needs and issues, and we will continue to make provisions for students on an individual basis when requested, protecting their privacy as well as the privacy of others.
We believe the recent guidance from the federal and state government, as well as the restatement of those suggestions are just that - guidance and suggestions, and not mandates. Consequently we are not changing how we treat student's individual requests until something more specific is required and ordered.
If that happens I assure you we will discuss thoroughly what our options would be while maintaining our priority of keeping all students safe.”
Killeen ISD
“Killeen ISD remains focused on doing what is in the best interests of all of our students and families we proudly serve, in good faith.”
Belton ISD
“Belton ISD is not changing our policies as a result of the guidance from the Departments of Education and Justice. We already have a process in place to address any questions or concerns from a parent or a student, and that process is the same regardless of the issue.
Whenever a student or a parent has a question or concern, our campus principal works with them to find the best solution for that student. If for any reason the issue cannot be resolved at the campus level, the district’s student services team is available to help.”
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