Howell Elementary school father pulls sons out of school over transgender bathroom policy

It is a story that started when one dad asked his three sons who attend Southwest Elementary School in Howell a routine question: How was school today?

“My son informed me there was a girl in the bathroom with him and the other kids in his class,” said Matt Stewart.

He called the school. He asked why he wasn’t given notice of the school's policy for transgender students and their use of facilities, why parents didn’t have a say on school policy, and what the options were to protect the privacy of his son.

Stewart didn’t like the answers. He and his wife then decided to pull their three sons out of school.

“As parents, we decided we were not going to force our children to make the decision between confusion, humiliation, and embarrassment,” said Stewart.

A school spokesperson gave 7 Action News a letter sent home to parents. It reads:

"As has been widely reported, on May 13, 2016, the United States Department of Justice and Department of Education issued significant guidance on the rights of transgender students. This involved the Department’s interpretation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which is a statute prohibiting sex discrimination in educational programs or activities. Those Departments found that Title IX prohibits discrimination against students based on their transgender status.

With respect to restrooms, the government stated that transgender students must be allowed to access those facilities “consistent with their gender identity.” Any student who desires additional privacy in light of this directive may, however, make use of individual-user restrooms.

This is a new and rapidly developing area of law. Howell Public Schools intends to comply with its legal obligations in this, as well as all other, respects. Measures will, therefore, be implemented consistent with this guidance in a way which ensures the safety, privacy, and dignity of all involved.”