TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)--The Kansas Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to ignore a federal directive that all public schools allow transgender students to use restrooms that match their gender identity, instead deferring to the regulations of school districts.
What remains unclear is whether or not the 10-0 vote will endanger over $479 million in federal aid, or about 10 percent of the state's education budget.
Scott Gordon, general counsel for the state's education department, said that the threat of loss of federal funding is not sweeping. The entire state would not lose federal education funding if one school is found out of compliance with the anti-discrimination law.
Gordon noted that only one transgender student filed a complaint for alleged discrimination with the Office of Civil Rights in 2015. Board members cited the low rate of incidents as proof that districts already have adequate regulations in place.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
State Board approves land transfer agreements
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
Public health advisory issued for local lake
LATEST STORIES
Blue Rapids named site for KS Sampler “ pop-up” event
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Jefferson Co readies for Co Fair season
MO man injured in KS weather-related crash
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
4th candidate files for local KS House seat