Bathroom Proviso Now Law in South Carolina Schools

A provision regarding restroom use in South Carolina public schools has officially been renewed with the new state budget. This proviso mandates that students must use bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to the gender assigned to them at birth, a rule that will be in force for one year. Some lawmakers have indicated a desire to make this measure a permanent state law in future legislative sessions.

The rule explicitly requires public school students to utilize facilities based on the gender documented on their birth certificate, even if it does not align with their gender identity.

This policy has drawn varied responses. Proponents argue that the measure is intended to ensure the safety and comfort of all students in private spaces. Conversely, critics contend that the state-level mandate undermines the ability of local school leaders and districts to establish policies that best support all students, including transgender individuals, as they have done for many years. There are concerns that the policy uses transgender people as a political issue.

Despite the ongoing debate, some lawmakers anticipate that a permanent bill addressing this issue will successfully pass in the next legislative session.

In response to the new rule, a lawsuit challenging the proviso has been filed in federal court by a middle school student in the Lowcountry and the Alliance for Full Acceptance. This legal challenge is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.