MSAD 60, a few transgender athletes already on board at NHS

NORTH BERWICK - MSAD 60 Schools Supt. Steve Connolly confirmed on Tuesday that the district's schools including Noble High School are in full compliance with President Obama's transgender bathroom directive issued last week.

The directive, which states transgender students in schools nationwide can use bathrooms specific to the gender they most identify with, also applies to locker rooms, changing facilities and sports teams' participation.

MSAD 60 schools comprise the towns of Lebanon, North Berwick and Berwick.

"We've already enacted our guidelines," Connolly said. "Students are allowed to use facilities based on how they view their gender."

Connolly stated there are also presently several students currently playing sports at the school as transgender athletes. He wouldn't say what sports or the exact number due to privacy concerns, but he did say all team members are aware and supportive of those individuals.

While Connolly stated he's heard of absolutely no backlash from students over the school's transgender bathroom and locker room policy, at least one parent felt so strongly opposed to it, they came on school grounds and accosted a student they felt was one of those at the center of the controversy.

"That's not a role for that person, to chastise students," Connolly said, adding school officials quickly moved to secure a no-trespass order against the parent.

He also said he has gotten a few phone calls from parents and others who disagree with the president's directive and the district's policy.

"I've gotten a couple of calls who say 'What if somebody does this or that,'" he said, adding the scenario they fear most is a male who does not identify as a female using the policy to prey on girls when they use female bathroom facilities.

"That just hasn't happened," he said. "I haven't found a case anywhere."

He also said that transgender athletes have not forced themselves to be allowed to shower in a communal shower but have sought - and been accommodated - with alternative, private showering facilities.

Connolly believes states like North Carolina and Texas battling the issue are misguided.

"It doesn't have to do with a moral stance, it's an ethical stance," he said, adding that transgender adolescents are in a tough enough place emotionally and developmentally without adding another layer of discomfort.

"We can't let 'what ifs' or paranoia color our judgment," he said.

He also noted that complying with the directives limits any possible civil rights lawsuits and ensures federal funds are not withheld.