JACKSON RELEASES STATEMENT ON

  

Brenham’s school superintendent has responded to a federal directive regarding transgender restrooms.

Late Friday, Dr. Walter Jackson releases a one-sentence statement, saying, “The Brenham ISD will continue to follow the traditional practices for restroom use that have been in place since its founding in 1875.”

The Obama administration has told public schools across the nation that they must allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.

The directive is being sent to school districts Friday by the departments of Education and Justice.

The letter does not impose any new legal requirements, but federal officials say the guidance is meant to clarify school districts' obligations to provide students with nondiscriminatory environments.

It comes amid a legal fight between the Justice Department and North Carolina over that state's law on bathroom use by transgender people. The state and the federal government sued each other on Monday.