ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The U.S. Department of Education has opened a Title IX investigation into Buncombe County Schools following a complaint alleging the district allows transgender students to use girls’ restrooms.
The investigation, announced Wednesday by the Department’s Office for Civil Rights, will examine whether the district violated Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs that receive federal funding.
According to the department, a parent filed a complaint alleging that female students in the district are required to share girls’ restrooms with students who were assigned male at birth but identify as female. Federal officials said the inquiry will focus on whether district policies comply with Title IX requirements under current federal enforcement guidance.
“Since Day One, the Trump Administration has steadfastly enforced Title IX according to its intended purpose — to protect young women and girls from discrimination on the basis of sex,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in a statement. “So long as adults flout the law and twist it in the pursuit of radical political ideologies, the Trump Administration will launch investigations, hold schools accountable, and ensure the safety of female students across America.”
In a statement to 828newsNOW, Buncombe County Schools said it follows state and federal laws regarding student rights and works with families to ensure students have access to facilities that meet their needs.
“BCS follows the law regarding students’ rights ensuring that all students have access to safe restrooms, locker rooms, and other school facilities,” the district said. “Our schools work with all students and families to ensure that every student has access to facilities that meet their needs in a safe and private manner.”
The district said it will “fully cooperate with the U.S. Department of Education on its inquiry.”
The investigation is part of a broader effort by the Department of Education to review school district policies involving transgender students and Title IX enforcement. Federal officials said similar investigations have been opened in other states involving restroom access policies and transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
The department also referenced prior actions involving school systems and education agencies in California, Colorado and Wisconsin, as well as higher education institutions, including Western Carolina University.
Officials said the agency has referred some cases to the U.S. Department of Justice after determining certain entities allegedly failed to comply with Title IX requirements or declined to enter into resolution agreements.
Title IX, enacted in 1972, prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
The Buncombe County Schools investigation remains in its early stages. Federal officials have not provided a timeline for completion or indicated whether any findings have been made.
