The lawyer representing the Collier County School Board told members Tuesday how it should respond to a directive from the Obama Administration regarding transgender students.
The "Dear Colleague" letter issued last month, directs districts to allow transgender students to use the bathroom with which they identify with.
Board attorney Jon Fishbane said he views the letter as "guidance", not law. However Fishbane offered solutions on how the district can stay in compliance with Title 9, which bans gender discrimination in public schools and universities.
Fishbane says the Collier County School District receives $60 million in federal funding. The district could lose that money if it does not accommodate transgender students.
He said courts around the country have ruled in favor of transgender students who were initially forced to use the bathroom corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificate.
The board did not decide whether or not it will abide by the president's order.
