Students at Flagler County Schools are weighing in on the Obama administration’s guidelines on which bathrooms transgender students should use.

  • U.S. Dept. of Education issued new rules on transgender students and bathroom use last week
  • Counties are weighing what their options are
  • Flagler County says if the government changes the rules, the school district has to comply

Grace Emery has been the voice for the Flagler County student body as a school board member all year long. 

"You have to be able to stand up for something," said Emery.

On the graduating senior's final meeting with board members she stood up for students about the transgender restroom issue.

"I've heard from students already. They're just not comfortable with it or they are, either way both ends of the spectrum, it's just a very strong topic," said Emery.

Last week the Department of Education announced new guidelines requiring that schools allow transgender students to use the restroom and locker rooms that correspond to their chosen gender. 

"There are kids who are in gym, they're already changing into another outfit with their friends around -- that's embarrassing for some people as it is, without the opposite sex in the room," said Emery. 

Flagler Schools Superintendent Jacob Oliva said a lot of the district’s schools have unisex restrooms.

But, he said if the federal government changes their policies, then they have to comply with the law.

"If we receive a mandate that requires us to address our facilities or review our policies, part of the vetting process is to look at our facilities as they exist and ask ourselves, ‘Do we need to update?’" said Oliva. 

"It has not been an issue for us, so there's no reason for her or any students to be concerned or fearful," said Chair Colleen Conklin.

But for Emery, who is headed to college soon and won't attend Flagler Schools next year, she wants to make sure her classmates’ voices are heard. 

"There are certain things that you do think about when this issue is brought up because it's scary. You don't know what's going to happen," said Emery.

Central Florida school districts weighing options

Other school districts in the Central Florida area are looking at what the new rules are and what they have to do.

Marion County is in a unique position because last month it banned transgender students from using the bathrooms associated with the gender they identify with. The county has decided to wait and see what happens in the courts.

The ACLU has filed a civil rights complaint against the district.

A parent in Jacksonville has filed a lawsuit to stop Duval County Public Schools from following the federal rule.

Osceola County says it will continue to work with transgender students and their families on an individual basis.

Orange County says it will follow all federal guidelines.

Brevard County says it will not take any action until it hears from the Florida Dept. of Education.

Lake County says it will deal with the issue on a case-by-case basis.

Seminole County said it was reviewing the new rule.

Volusia County said it will continue to work with students on a case-by-case basis.