Hawkeye Reporter

An Iowa transgender student was recently notified he was not allowed to use the bathroom that matches his gender identity at school.

KCAU reported that Ethan Stucker, a student at Spirit Lake High School who identifies as male, has used the boys' restrooms for over a year and a half without any issues, but on Nov. 29 he was told that he was no longer allowed to use the boys' restrooms. The guidance counselors told Stucker that continuing to use the male restroom would result in consequences.

"We’re working hard to address this situation — trans students should feel safe and welcome in all schools," Iowa Safe Schools wrote in a Dec. 3 Facebook post.

Stucker was told to use the unisex bathroom in the teacher’s lounge because a student came forward saying they felt uncomfortable with Stucker’s presence in the male bathroom, according to We Are Iowa News.

Iowa Safe Schools said that the actions taken by the school bring up legal concerns regarding violation of Title IX laws.

"Not only does this violate the student's right to access a space that affirms their gender identity, but the Iowa Department of Education has also released policy briefs and guidance stating it's always best to work with the student and allow them to use the facility that aligns with their gender identity," Becky Smith, executive director of Iowa Safe Schools, told Local 5 News. "We know that students are better students when their gender identity is affirmed, which also aligns with Title IX."