Worldwide trans people are faced with the issue of which bathroom they can use. Across the US there are many different policies on the issue. Some include, you have to use the bathroom you identify as or use the bathroom that corresponds with your birth gender. These policies vary based on the state’s political majority, (Republic/Democratic).

On Nov. 4, the Supreme Court discussed the controversial topic of transgender rights. Gavin Grimm, a high school student, is challenging the Department of Education rule.

 Grimm, a 17-year-old high school senior in Gloucester County, Virginia, identified as a boy several years ago and eventually sought to use the boys’ bathroom in school. The first time Grimm went into court to discuss the issue of being prohibited to go into his prefered bathroom, he was turned down, but Grimm was not discouraged. He continued to work hard to make a change in other kids’ lives so they wouldn’t have to go through the same thing.

Grimm never planned on having a national debate on who could use the bathroom; he just wanted everyone to be treated the same. In 23 states, including North Carolina and Texas, there are challenges to the administration’s right to interpret its own regulations without legislative action or judicial review.

A “bathroom bill” is the common name for either legislation or a statute that seeks to regulate access to public facilities– particularly restrooms –on the part of transgender individuals on the basis of their sex they were assigned at birth. The battle over so-called “bathroom bills” has played out in many states as lawmakers seek to force students to use facilities that correspond to their gender at birth, and transgender students fight for the right to follow their gender identity. The nation’s largest gay rights organization, Human Rights Campaign, said 18 states already allow transgender people to use facilities consistent with their gender identity without problems.

The bathroom laws continue to cause issues for transgender people in school and the workplace. The Supreme Court’s ultimate decision will directly impact the transgender community.

Hannah Chapman, Staff Writer

Junior Hannah Chapman is a staff writer for the 2016-2017 Colonel. When she is not participating in Ledyard’s swim and tennis teams, she is often listening to music and attending many concerts.