A Denver high school has been put under investigation by the Department of Education after it replaced an all-female restroom facility with one designated for “all genders.”
According to Fox News, the department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced Tuesday it would be investigating the Denver Public Schools District for discriminating against its female students by removing its use from being exclusively used by female students to an “all-gender” bathroom.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor reportedly wrote a letter to the city’s superintendent, calling out the change that now leaves female student without their own bathroom.
“As a result, East High School now has an exclusive restroom for male students and no restroom for female students on its second floor,” Trainor wrote.
The OCR further alleged the school district had further installed an “all-gender” bathroom at the Denver School of the Arts and CEC Early College, which teaches students in grades 6 through 12. It was further noted the change could be in violation of certain regulations that prohibit discrimination based on sex.
In a press release, Trainor said it was a “new day in America” and pointed out the OCR will not be tolerating discrimination.
“The alarming report that the Denver Public Schools District denied female students a restroom comparable with their male counterparts appears to directly violate the civil rights of the district’s female students,” Trainor said, “Let me be clear: it is a new day in America, and under President (Donald) Trump, OCR will not tolerate discrimination of any kind. I have directed OCR’s Denver regional office to investigate this matter fully.”
In response, a Denver Public Schools spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the “all-gender” facility was the idea of the students, and reflects their values of “inclusivity.”
“This restroom serves all students, including those who may feel uncomfortable in gender-specific facilities and aligns with our values of supporting every student. The faculty of East High School has developed a plan to supervise and monitor this lavatory, just as they do with all others. Currently, East High School has designated restrooms for male and female students in addition to the all-gender lavatory,” the statement read.
