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U.S. Gives Directive To Schools On Transgender Bathroom Access

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- Public schools under fire. Friday, schools across the nation are under pressure to open up their restrooms to transgender students or risk losing federal funding.

George Solis has the details behind this controversial directive.

A letter put out by the Obama administration provides new guidelines based on their interpretation of law that, in essence, threatens schools to get with the program---or else.

Public schools across the nation are under pressure Friday. Each one got a letter from the Obama administration with guidelines saying transgender students should have equal access to places like bathrooms, locker rooms and housing at school.

"This action is about a great deal more than bathrooms," said US Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

The letter says, "Schools must treat students consistent with their gender identity...even in circumstances in which other students or community members raise objections or concerns."

The move comes just days after the Justice Department and North Carolina wage their own legal battle over the state's new "bathroom bill," calling for everyone to use bathrooms based on their birth gender.

"We believe a court, rather than a federal agency, should tell our state what the law requires," said North Carolina Govenror Pat McCrory.

This latest mandate draws equal fire from critics, like the Lt. Governor of Texas.

"The president does not know the line he crossed this time," said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.

The directive does not impose any legal requirements but its message to schools is clear if they don't comply when it comes to losing federal funding.

All of it is based on the administration's interpretation of Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination for educational programs that get federal funding.

Transgender rights activists in Maryland tell WJZ the directive changes very little for our public schools, some of which are already going by these guidelines.

"Certainly we've seen Maryland being progressive, especially on transgender rights issues," said Patrick Paschall.

Six months ago, the state issued its own guidelines, some of which are used in this federal mandate.

"It shouldn't be a surprise to any of the local school districts," said Paschall.

Supporters of this letter say there's no cost to schools if they get on board. However, those that disagree say the decision should be left up to the state and local governments. WJZ reached out to several school districts for comment. Harford County got back to us, saying they will comply with the directive.

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