Kentucky Lawmakers Debate Middle School Restroom Design

Fayette County Public Schools has clarified that restrooms at the new Mary E. Britton Middle School will be designated for boys and girls, countering claims from Rep. Matt Lockett that they would be gender-neutral. Lockett expressed concerns during a legislative meeting, suggesting the design could compromise student safety, particularly for girls, due to the presence of communal sinks and visible stalls. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins emphasized that the restroom design, featuring individual stalls for privacy, aims to reduce bullying and improve supervision in response to rising behavioral incidents in school bathrooms. The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions surrounding restroom policies for transgender students, especially following the enactment of Senate Bill 150, which restricts bathroom access based on biological sex. Liggins maintained that the design was not a circumvention of the law, but rather a strategic measure to address discipline issues in restrooms. The discussion highlights the ongoing conflicts between legislative mandates and school policies regarding student safety and inclusivity.