CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – The Horry County School Board called a special meeting Monday night to discuss Title IX, among other issues.
Last week, the board voted to comply with a federal court ruling in Virginia that allows students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.
After spending an hour in executive session, the school board decided to take no action.Chairman Joe DeFeo read this statement:
” On May 3, 2016, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a “stay” of its ruling with deference to the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines stating that transgender students must be allowed to use restrooms corresponding to their gender identity. This stay was issued due to a pending review of the case by the full 15‐Judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Therefore, it appears the implementation of the Title IX interpretation concerning transgender students and their use of the restroom based upon the gender with which they identify is still unresolved by the Courts. School administrations will continue to manage requests made by, or on behalf of, transgender students in reference to the use of restroom facilities for the remainder of the 2015‐16 school year in hopes of receiving a clearly defined direction from the Courts prior to the start of the upcoming school year. The District will continue to maintain and respect the privacy rights of all its students. “
South Carolina Equality Executive Director Jeff Ayers was happy with the board’s decision, but he was hoping for more clarification.
“We still don’t have it now from the school district on what is their policy and procedure with addressing transgender students,” explained Ayers.
Monday’s meeting didn’t have near as big of a showing as last week, but several people still showed up to voice their opinions.
“I don’t believe in it. I don’t believe in transgenders,” said Judy Causey.
Causey is confident the decision to let transgender students use the restroom of their choice, won’t be permanent.
“My grandchild, great grandchild will not go to Horry County public schools if it doesn’t change,” she said.
Ayers says his group will be keeping a close watch on Horry County to make sure all transgender rights are protected.