Denver schools under investigation over all-gender bathroom

The Department of Education launched an investigation Tuesday against Denver Public Schools for converting a girl’s restroom into an all-gender bathroom. 

The department’s Office for Civil Rights said it is investigating alleged discrimination after the second floor girl’s bathroom at East High School was converted to an all-gender bathroom while the boy’s bathroom on the same floor remained exclusively for males.  

“The alarming report that the Denver Public Schools District denied female students a restroom comparable with their male counterparts appears to directly violate the civil rights of the District’s female students,” said acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.  

“Let me be clear: it is a new day in America, and under President Trump, OCR will not tolerate discrimination of any kind. I have directed OCR’s Denver regional office to investigate this matter fully,” Trainor added. 

The department says the school district is potentially breaking Title IX, which says schools that receive federal funds “may provide separate toilet, locker room, and shower facilities on the basis of sex, but such facilities provided for students of one sex shall be comparable to such facilities provided for students of the other sex.”   

Trainor sent a letter to the school district on Tuesday informing it of the investigation and that the department will begin requesting access to data and personnel.  

“This bathroom was added as the result of a student-led process that reflects our commitment to inclusivity and student voice, leadership, and empowerment, providing a welcoming space for all,” Denver Public Schools spokesperson Scott Pribble said in a statement, Reuters reported.  

Pribble also stated there are 12-foot tall partitions in the all-gender bathroom to help accommodate those “who may feel uncomfortable in gender-specific facilities.” 

The Hill has reached out to the school district for comment.