College Plans Outreach and Training After Transgender Student’s Complaint

Central Piedmont Community College, in North Carolina, on Tuesday announced that it had planned a series of discussions with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy groups after a transgender student accused the campus-security staff of harassing her when she left a women’s restroom, The Charlotte Observer reported.

The college also said that it would train its security staff members “to ensure they are familiar with college philosophy, policies, and procedures,” and would post the campus locations of gender-neutral and family restrooms on its website.

The student, Andraya Williams, asserted that she was detained and harassed last month by security officials after leaving a women’s restroom. Campus Pride, a national advocacy group, started a petition calling on the college to apologize and revise its policies.

“Throughout its history, CPCC has worked to be fair as well as respectful and considerate of all students and employees,” said Jeff Lowrance, a college spokesman, in a written statement. “Through this recent experience, the college has realized other institutions and communities across the country have been challenged by similar issues. That’s why the college wants to talk with LGBT organizations to learn how others have achieved understanding and accommodations while being fair to all.”