Monday, Aug. 8, 2016

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- As students head safely back to school, some Transgender students across the state may not feel very safe. However, a new resource is hoping to change all of that.

Five LGBT advocacy groups have formed the Georgia Trans Student Rights Watch, a new tool to monitor the discrimination transgender and gender nonconforming students experience across all schools, from elementary schools to college campuses.

The tool is being supported through the combined partnership of Lambda Legal, Georgia Equality, Anti-Defamation League, Georgia Safe Schools Coalition, and GLSEN Atlanta (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network).

In a joint statement, the groups state the goal is to provide a safe environment for all youth.

"From the use of declared names and pronouns, to restrooms, locker rooms, sports, uniforms, and extracurricular activities, school districts should respect the gender identity of all students, including transgender students. No student should ever have to go through the experience of feeling unwelcome at school or on a college campus," the statement said.

The tool is open to any transgender student to report issues such as being denied access to facilities at school, being forced to use a separate restroom or changing area, or not being treated fairly or equally.

"Separating transgender students from other students by forcing them to use separate restroom and locker room spaces is demeaning and can be emotionally damaging. It also violates the law. We stand ready to speak with students, their families, and the school district about the law and rights of transgender students," the statement continued.

For more information about the Georgia Trans Student Rights Watch,