University of Pittsburgh Settles Case With Former Transgender Student
Posted on April 26th, 2016
by Jessica F. Moyer
In 2014, Seamus Johnston sued the University of Pittsburgh when it prohibited him from using sex-segregated restrooms and locker rooms designated for men on a University campus.Johnston sued the University alleging discrimination under Title IX.
Last month, Johnston and the University of Pittsburgh entered into a settlement agreement.
The Agreement was reached after an appeal was taken from a Pennsylvania Federal Court decision that held “the University’s policy of requiring students to use sex-segregated bathrooms and locker room facilities based on students’ natal or birth sex, rather than their gender identity, does not violate Title IX’s prohibition of sexual discrimination.”
University Adopts Changes Concerning Transgender Students
The details of the settlement agreement are confidential. However, a statement issued by both parties sets forth recent changes that the University of Pittsburgh has adopted concerning transgender students.
Transgender students are now permitted to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.Additionally, the University created gender-neutral housing, and the University will establish a working group to advise officials on transgender students’ access to gender-specific spaces.
Fourth Circuit Extends Protections of Title IX in Similar Case
This settlement was reached just weeks before the Fourth Circuit rendered a decision in G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board wherein the Fourth Circuit extended the protections of Title IX to transgender students.
The case has been remanded back to the Virginia Federal District Court to rehear the student’s allegation that the School District’s bathroom policy violates federal law.
Issues like those raised in Johnston and G.G. continue to plague the headlines on the heels of the turmoil in North Carolina and Mississippi.
Bottom Line
The Office of Civil Rights and Department of Justice have investigated a number of allegations concerning the discrimination of transgender students.
When the investigations have found discrimination, the school districts have been required to take several measures to ensure the inclusion of transgender students in all aspects of the education process.
For best practices when facing questions concerning transgender students, it is best to consult with your college legal counsel.
This Collegiate Comment is a publication of the KingSpry Higher Education Law Division. It is meant to be informational and does not constitute legal advice.
University of Pittsburgh Settles Case With Former Transgender Student
Posted on April 26th, 2016
by Jessica F. Moyer
In 2014, Seamus Johnston sued the University of Pittsburgh when it prohibited him from using sex-segregated restrooms and locker rooms designated for men on a University campus. Johnston sued the University alleging discrimination under Title IX.
Last month, Johnston and the University of Pittsburgh entered into a settlement agreement.
The Agreement was reached after an appeal was taken from a Pennsylvania Federal Court decision that held “the University’s policy of requiring students to use sex-segregated bathrooms and locker room facilities based on students’ natal or birth sex, rather than their gender identity, does not violate Title IX’s prohibition of sexual discrimination.”
University Adopts Changes Concerning Transgender Students
The details of the settlement agreement are confidential. However, a statement issued by both parties sets forth recent changes that the University of Pittsburgh has adopted concerning transgender students.
Transgender students are now permitted to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Additionally, the University created gender-neutral housing, and the University will establish a working group to advise officials on transgender students’ access to gender-specific spaces.
Fourth Circuit Extends Protections of Title IX in Similar Case
This settlement was reached just weeks before the Fourth Circuit rendered a decision in G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board wherein the Fourth Circuit extended the protections of Title IX to transgender students.
The case has been remanded back to the Virginia Federal District Court to rehear the student’s allegation that the School District’s bathroom policy violates federal law.
Issues like those raised in Johnston and G.G. continue to plague the headlines on the heels of the turmoil in North Carolina and Mississippi.
Bottom Line
The Office of Civil Rights and Department of Justice have investigated a number of allegations concerning the discrimination of transgender students.
When the investigations have found discrimination, the school districts have been required to take several measures to ensure the inclusion of transgender students in all aspects of the education process.
For best practices when facing questions concerning transgender students, it is best to consult with your college legal counsel.
This Collegiate Comment is a publication of the KingSpry Higher Education Law Division. It is meant to be informational and does not constitute legal advice.