US Education Department probes Denver schools over all-gender bathroom

29/1/2025 12:43

The U.S. Department of Education said on Tuesday it was investigating whether the Denver school system discriminated against women and girls by converting a female bathroom into one for all genders.



Gender in schools has been a key issue for U.S. President Donald Trump and a hot-button topic around the country.



The department said Denver's East High School "now has an exclusive restroom for male students and no restroom for female students on its second floor."

The department also said it received reports of all-gender restrooms in at least two other Denver schools.



Denver Public Schools spokesperson Scott Pribble said the school system was aware of the investigation.



"This bathroom was added as the result of a student-led process that reflects our commitment to inclusivity and student voice, leadership, and empowerment, providing a welcoming space for all," Pribble said in a statement.



He added that the all-gender bathroom has stalls with 12-foot-tall partitions for privacy and serves all students, including those "who may feel uncomfortable in gender-specific facilities."