WESH 2 News is hearing from students and parents of the Marion County school district. Many people are reacting to the district's new policy, which now says transgender students and staff can only use the bathrooms of the gender that is on their birth certificate. Matt Grant reports.

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WESH 2 News is hearing from students and parents of the Marion County school district. Many people are reacting to the district's new policy, which now says transgender students and staff can only use the bathrooms of the gender that is on their birth certificate.Gender-neutral bathrooms and locker rooms will be made available.It's a rule that has stirred controversy.Marion County transgender students now have a choice: Use the bathroom that corresponds with their birth sex or use a separate gender-neutral restroom."If a transgender student wants to use an alternative bathroom, a neutral bathroom, they are certainly welcome to do that. That's been the process all along," said Kevin Christian with the Marion County School District.The school board's 4-1 decision comes in the middle of national debate following the passing of a so-called bathroom bill in North Carolina.>>Download the WESH 2 News app for iOS and Android"From the 1900s, men used men's (restrooms), females used female (restrooms). We should not be, that's not setting a good example for our next generation," said Lisa Wade, parent of a Marion County student.Wade has a son in the Marion County school district and said she supports the board's decision."God put male and female in the world, not transgenders. That's my opinion," Wade said.The debate in Marion County started after a transgender student at Vanguard High School, who was born female but identifies as male, felt more comfortable using the men's restroom. A student complained, sparking debate.Many parents in the community said they feel the board made the right decision."The bathroom, it should not be for transgenders. It shouldn't be, it's nasty," said Marion County parent Kimberly Mulwee.Rose Dannels is a senior at Vanguard High School. She and her friends feel that transgender students should be allowed to use the bathroom they feel most comfortable in. Dannels said it wouldn't bother her, and said it's no big deal."It's someone's right to go to the bathroom where they want to. It's kind of a dumb law to not let them go," Dannels said.The new rule went into effect Wednesday. The district said students who disobey could face punishment.Students are planning a peaceful protest Friday. The school board said it plans to fight any legal challenges.The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized the decision, saying it will harm students, jeopardize federal funding and open the district to discrimination lawsuits.14277264