The Latest: Advocate says transgender students need support

A leading gay rights advocate says his organization will seek talks with Mississippi Board of Education members who are considering whether to follow federal guidance on transgender student accommodations.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant says he's "encouraged" that the state school superintendent has reversed her decision to follow federal guidance on transgender student accommodations and now says she'll consult with the state Board of Education.

The state Department of Education had announced it would adhere to last week's guidelines allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms according to their current gender identity and not their birth gender.

Under fire from the governor and some Republican legislators, the Mississippi Department of Education now says it won't follow new federal guidance on use of bathrooms and locker rooms by transgender students.