The Obama administration sparked a firestorm on Friday by sending guidance to school systems and higher education institutions across the country on how to accommodate transgender students. Impassioned advocates weighed in from all points of the political compass.

Americans collectively need to take a deep breath, tone down the rhetoric and discuss the ramifications in a civil manner befitting our democracy. Parents expressing sincere concerns about how the guidelines might affect their children are not bigots. Transgender students are not looking to prey on their peers; they just want to be treated like other students.

The guidance from the Departments of Justice and Education does not mandate any action. Instead, it simply explains to school systems that the agencies interpret Title IX, which bans sex discrimination at schools that accept federal funds, to cover transgender students. The document also serves as a reminder that the penalty for violating Title IX is the loss of federal funding — a part of Title IX enforcement since its passage in 1972.

The federal agencies sent the guidance after the Justice Department and the state of North Carolina filed lawsuits against one another over the Tar Heel State's new law that, among other things, makes it illegal to use a bathroom not designated for the gender listed on a person's birth certificate.

The guidance states that schools must allow transgender students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. They cannot compel transgender students to use private restrooms, such as those in teachers' lounges, though they can offer more private accommodations to any student — transgender or not. They also sent a compilation of best practices of school systems that have passed federal muster.

The courts already are sorting through the issue. A panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last month that a Virginia school system had to allow a 16-year-old transgender male student the use of the boys' room at his school. The panel also affirmed the deference courts give to federal agencies interpreting the regulations they enforce.

A majority of Tennessee lawmakers have called on Attorney General Herbert Slatery III to join North Carolina in its battle with the federal government. That would be an overreaction. If anything, the state should do no more than file amicus briefs in the existing lawsuits. Such "friend of the court" briefs outline a state's position without incurring the considerable costs of a lawsuit that could go to the U.S. Supreme Court. Brandon D. Harper wrote in the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law that his analysis shows the Supreme Court places great weight on amicus briefs filed by states, especially in cases involving federalism.

While the courts resolve the legal questions, school systems would be wise to make plans for accommodating transgender students should the need arise. They also should communicate with parents to address concerns to the extent allowed by federal privacy laws. Common sense, compassion and respect would constitute a positive lesson to teach all Tennessee children.