Arkansas ACLU highlights two new state transgender student laws as school year starts | KLRT [Video]

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas is highlighting two new state laws as the school year begins.

The two laws, acts 542 and 317, address potential transgender issues regarding use of names, pronouns and restrooms in public schools.

Act 542, named the Given Name Act, states that a school employee could use someone’s preferred pronoun only if they have written permission from the minor’s parent or guardian and are willing to use it. If the school employee is not willing, even with written permission, they are not required to do so.

ACLU officials said that parents should contact their student’s school for their particular procedure.

Act 317 designates school restrooms, changing rooms and overnight rooms on trips to birth-assigned gender.

The law also requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations for students who are unwilling or unable to use facilities according to their gender at birth.

Arkansas ACLU Executive …