Normal's Unit 5 Board of Education has passed a new procedure that specifically allows transgender students to use the bathroom or locker room for the gender they identify with.
Unit 5 School District's new procedures relate specifically to transgender and gender non-conforming students. Students are allowed access with a new or amended birth certificate, or a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Unit 5's Kurt Richardson explained that "we want to respect the dignity of all of our students and so that is one of the things that we did that we felt was important." He labeled the policy change "a good first step."
The district began drafting the procedure more than a year ago, after a former student suggested an update.
Illinois State University has similar procedures in place. A student, faculty, or staff member may use whatever locker room they feel "best aligns with their gender."
Bloomington's District 87 reports working to accommodate transgender students, as well.