FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) – Florence School District One is doing what it can to put the lid on a controversy that continues across the country.
District officials tell News 13 they’ve now designated two single-unit restrooms in the middle and high schools in the district.
New signs greeted students and faculty on the campus of South Florence High School earlier this week. The signs signify a safe place for anyone who may feel uncomfortable using the more standard bathrooms already available. The district says they made these changes in order to comply with federal law allowing transgender students to use the bathroom of the gender with which they most identify.
In a statement, the district says it is “dedicated to ensuring a safe and respectful climate for all students.”
Some Florence One parents, however, have reservations.
“There’s a lot of things the states can handle themselves,” said Calvin Collins, who has three children currently enrolled in the district. “I don’t feel like the federal government should have the power to come and decide what’s going on in South Carolina.”
The President’s message certainly got several school districts talking. Friday afternoon, the Darlington County School District released a statement saying they are committed to safety, and “will continue to comply with all federal laws and regulations.”
In response to the developments, local LGBT advocacy group Takeover Florence released a statement:
“The President’s new policy for public schools is an important step in ensuring the success of every student. When school districts understand the diversity of their student bodies, it lets students know that they are accepted and creates a comfortable academic setting for all.”
Officials at South Florence High School told News 13 that they’ve had a few concerned parents call and some naturally curious students as well. All in all though, everyone seems to be adjusting to the changes. They say their focus is on finishing out the school year and enjoying the summer.