Transgender student discriminated against for using women’s bathroom
A North Carolina student says she was discriminated against after using a women’s bathroom.
Andraya Williams, who is a member of the transgender community, was headed to class after using the ladies’ washroom at the Overcash Building at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte when the incident occurred.
“As I was exiting, the female security guard was coming in and she stopped me and asked me could she see me my student ID,” says Williams. “And I told her yes and I asked her why. And she asked me was I male or female. And I told her female and she laughed.”
Williams, who is transgender and identifies as female, says the officer called for backup. And she says even though she showed her college ID to the other officers, Williams says security still escorted her off campus, and told her not to come back until further notice.
She believes she was discriminated against because of her looks.
Williams says she was confused, embarrassed and humiliated by the incident. She met with the Dean the day after, who lifted her suspension. He also requested she bring medical documentation stating she was a female, saying that would be the only way he could protect her from the same situation happening again.
In a written statement to WBTV, college officials say “Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) is an open-door, open-access institution of learning, and we are proud of its rich diversity. CPCC has a 50-year history of being fair, respectful and considerate of all students. The College does not tolerate harassment of any kind. College personnel have been investigating the incident in question for several days, and the goal is to reach an amicable resolution with the student in the near future.
School officials say “The College has examined its policies and procedures, and we are certain that they are in compliance with current laws. The College will work to ensure those policies are followed and clearly communicated. We intend to have on-going dialogue with local and state LGBT leaders, including the College’s own LGBT organization, as we continue to address this issue.”
CPCC students and students from other campuses around the area are planning a protest Friday near the college’s central campus.
A petition has also been created in change.org to raise awareness about the injustice faced by Williams and other members of the trans community. View and sign it here.
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