Officials Fire Back At AACO School's New Transgender Policy

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The new anti-discrimination policy for transgender students in Anne Arundel County is making waves.

Under the new school policy, transgender students are allowed to use bathrooms, locker rooms and go on overnight trips with the gender they identify with.

The policy states, "The intent is to ensure that transgender and gender non-conforming students are not stigmatized."

The county executive's education adviser, Amalie Brandenburg says they've been bombarded with phone calls from concerned parents.

"Something this significant should have significant public discussion and significant public comment, before we decide any direction" says Brandenburg.

In a letter sent to the school board, the county executive says "We do not support unnecessary and extreme accommodations that would have negative impacts on other students."

The policy comes after the White House put out a directive saying "schools must treat students consistent with their gender identity."

Patrick Paschall of Free State Justice is currently suing Talbolt County Schools for failing to accommodate a transgender student. He says Bradenburg's letter is disappointing.

"It's clear that the county executive here, just wants to target transgender students for discrimination" says Paschall, "and that's unacceptable."

He hopes the school board will stand it's ground on the issue.

Anne Arundel School officials say the new guidelines follow the state standards.

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