PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The superintendent of Pasco County Schools announced Tuesday during a meeting that students must now use restrooms that correspond with their biological sex at birth.
Superintendent Kurt Browning said that the county will update its policy to align with the state's new parental rights in education law.
"I realize this change in practice may not sit well with some students and some adults, but it is important to know that we as a district and as elected officials are required to abide by the laws of the state of Florida and those of the United States," Browning said. "This change in district practice and procedure does both of those."
This change comes after the ruling from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Case of Adams V the School Board of St John's County. This was a case where a transgender male was banned from using the boy's bathroom.
The court ruled the policy doesn’t violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or the federal Title IX law.
Pasco County students, teachers and staff are expected to see these changes occur over the next 30 days.
One Pasco County senior who is a transgender male spoke during Tuesday night's board meeting.
"I don’t think this policy is going to do any good for anyone," Toby Fennel said.
As a transgender male, Fennel explained he has been using the boy's bathroom for the last four years without a problem.
Superintendent Browning said for those who don't want to use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological sex have an alternative option.
"I also want the board to be aware that any student wishing to use an alternative restroom will be able to seek an accommodation to use a private restroom at their school," Browning said.
Fennel said if he needs to use a special bathroom, he feels that he would be picked on. He also feels it's unnecessary.
"I’m probably not going to follow the rules so come what will," Fennel said.
Browning said the latest change is just a new practice and no orders have been written.
In September, the district said that they will no longer utilize “safe spaces” and will no longer display “safe space” stickers.
The stickers depicted Pasco County in a rainbow flag and said, "This is a safe space for all, including all genders, orientations, identities, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds." It also showed the Pasco County Schools logo.
Browning said that the removal of the stickers was a direct response to the state's new parental rights in education law, which requires school officials to notify parents of changes in their child's behavior.