Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has directed school leaders to post signs the district said “makes it clear that our restrooms are open for use to anyone who feels comfortable in that space,” The Chicago Tribune reported.
There are three types of student bathrooms under the new district guidelines.
“Boys+” facilities have stalls and urinals, while “girls+” restrooms just have stalls; anyone is allowed to use boys+ and girls+ bathrooms. Schools must also offer single-stall restrooms available to any student. Staffers continue to have separate restrooms.
CPS representatives say the signage aligns with guidance published in June by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights affirming the rights of transgender students.
However, not all support the new policy. The Chicago Republican Party has started an online petition demanding CPS “rescind this ridiculous and disgusting policy.”