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Elko board denies transgender student's request

Posted at 2:56 PM, Sep 23, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-23 17:56:38-04

Elko officials have unanimously denied a request from a transgender middle school student to use his preferred restrooms and locker room.
   
The Elko Daily Free Press reports that the Elko County School Board decided Tuesday not to allow the 13-year-old transgender boy to use the male facilities. The boy's mother, Michelle Gonzalez, says he is regularly bullied and pleaded with officials to approve his request.
   
The board has previously said the child can use a unisex restroom for special education students -- a decision Gonzalez says promotes segregation.
   
Parents who spoke against the request said it could make other students uncomfortable and endanger the transgender child.
   
Elko School Board Trustee Cindy Elquist agreed, citing the board's mission to make policies that are best for all students.