A North Carolina father has filed a federal lawsuit against his children’s school district after school officials declined to confirm whether biological males could access restrooms designated for his fourth-grade daughter, according to court documents.
The lawsuit, filed by Brandon Matthews, alleges that Cabarrus County Schools failed to provide information about policies governing access to sex-separated bathrooms and locker rooms at Mount Pleasant Elementary School and Mount Pleasant High School, where his children attend. Matthews had requested in May that school principals notify him if a student of the opposite biological sex was permitted to use facilities designated for his children. His attorney, Nicholas Barry of the America First Legal Foundation, stated that Matthews still does not know whether such access is allowed.
Legal and Policy Context
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks disclosure of the district’s policies and practices regarding restroom and locker room access. It does not request the identification of any specific student. The complaint argues that Matthews has a constitutional right to this information to make informed decisions about his children’s safety and education.
At a May 11 school board meeting, Matthews addressed the board alongside his daughter, urging officials to maintain sex-separated facilities. His daughter told the board, “I'm personally a girl and I wouldn't want a boy following me in the girls' bathroom. It's inappropriate.” Matthews stated that his request was not about targeting any individual student but about ensuring clear policies.
School District Response
The lawsuit does not provide a direct response from Cabarrus County Schools, and the district has not publicly commented on the allegations. The case raises questions about how schools balance privacy concerns, inclusive policies, and parental rights in restroom access.
Background on Related Developments
The lawsuit follows broader national discussions about restroom access policies in schools. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration opened four Title IX investigations into school districts in Michigan and North Carolina, including Cabarrus County Schools, regarding policies on sex-separated facilities. The investigations were part of a federal review of compliance with Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.
Key Takeaways
- Brandon Matthews filed a federal lawsuit against Cabarrus County Schools seeking disclosure of restroom access policies.
- The lawsuit does not identify any specific student but requests confirmation of whether biological males can use facilities designated for Matthews’ children.
- The case highlights ongoing debates over school restroom policies and parental rights.