Obama: Allow transgender access to restrooms in public schools

President Obama plans to issue a decree telling every public school district in the country to allow transgender students to use bathrooms that match their gender identity.

The New York Times reports that a letter to school districts will go out on Friday.

The declarations, signed by Justice and Education Department officials, will inform schools what they should do to ensure that none of their students are discriminated against.

The declaration does not have the force of law, the New York Times notes – but it includes an implicit threat: If schools fail to abide by the Obama administration's interpretation of the law, they could face lawsuits or a loss of federal aid.

Cox Media Group