Transgender student's treatment during active shooter drill blasted
Teachers and administrators at a Virginia middle school are facing criticism after allegedly barring a transgender student from using the boys or girls locker rooms during an active shooter drill.
The LGBTQ rights group Equality Stafford said that during the drill last week, the girl was forced to sit on the bleachers in the gym and later in a hallway while other students in her physical education class at the Stafford County school took shelter in locker rooms.
The group said the teachers apparently were debating which locker room would be appropriate.
"During an event that prepares children to survive an attack by actual assailants, she was treated as if she was so much of a danger to peers that she was left exposed and vulnerable," Equality Stafford wrote. "These events occur across our country right now but this one happened here."
WUSA-TV that concerned parents, friends and neighbors are planning to protest at the school board meeting Tuesday.
A spokeswoman released a statement saying that the new superintendent has asked for a review of "all protocols and procedures to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect."
The spokeswoman would not answer whether the girl should have been permitted into the girls locker room, WUSA reported.