Clovis mother upset about new transgender law

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Friday the Education and Justice Departments will send a letter to schools saying all public schools are obligated to treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity. Saying anything else is discrimination. But one Clovis Unified Mother, where the changes are already in effect, said it's not fair for her daughter and limits her rights.

"She said, 'mom I think there's a boy changing in my locker room'," said Emily, concerned parent.

Emily said when those words came out her junior high school daughter's mouth she could only think one thing.

"I figured there was no way that this was going on if I was unaware of it." Emily added, "We have to sign permission slips for movies and books read in class and field trips, and I just assumed something this big would be something we'd be notified about at the very least."

But Emily said weeks after reaching out to the Clovis Unified School District, officials told her a transgender student born male was using the female locker room.

Our reporter asked, "What was the district's response?"

Emily responded, "That their hands were tied because of privacy laws, which I understand."

Thursday the district told Action News state law requires public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms, including locker rooms, that match the gender they identify with.

"This is a law and we're going to follow the law, but we're going to do it with sensitivity to our entire population," said Kelly Avant, Clovis Unified School District.

Zoyer Zyndel, president of Tran-E-Motion-- a transgender advocacy group-- praises the district for following the law.

"This is a population that is normally stigmatized. This is a population that experiences a lot of oppression, so it is very important that the school district set the example and show that inclusion is the way to go and that it's also the law."

"I understand that times are changing and that there are issues that need to be addressed. I totally completely understand that, but I don't think that this is the right solution," Emily said.

Clovis Unified School District said it has a number of students who are transgender, and officials work closely in making sure they are provided a safe, secure learning environment that respects their rights.