Transgender bathroom choice nothing new for Seattle schools

SEATTLE (AP) — In progressive Seattle, a presidential order that public schools give transgender students access to the bathrooms matching their gender identity won't require a shift.

While the debate has reached a fever pitch in other parts of the country, the city's public schools have accommodated transgender students in the bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their identity since 2012.

While Washington state has asked schools to include bathroom accommodations for transgender students for four years, it isn't immune to the clashes playing out nationwide.

The debate flared in Washington state after officials in late December began officially requiring public buildings to let transgender people use the facilities matching their gender identity.